Philadelphia Union announced Wednesday it has signed former American World Cup star Maurice Edu to a multi-year deal. Edu originally joined the Union prior to the 2014 season on loan from British Premier League side Stoke City. Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Mo is an extremely important player to our organization and we’re excited that he will be in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future,” said Union technical director Chris Albright. “We look forward to him helping lead us toward building a winning team.”
Edu, 28, quickly became a force in the Union lineup in 2014, starting 31 games and adding three goals and two assists en route to being named to the MLS All-Star Team. Edu ranked third on the team in minutes played (2789), and memorably scored the Union’s lone goal in the U.S. Open Cup Championship against Seattle Sounders FC.
“I couldn't be happier to permanently return to Philadelphia and to play in front of our great fans,” said Edu. “I believe in this team’s future and am excited to be an integral part of that.”
Edu was named to the MLS Team of the Week three times throughout the 2014 campaign – his first season in Major League Soccer since departing Toronto FC for Scottish Premier League side Rangers FC in 2008.
The San Bernadino, Calif., native most notably appeared in three of four matches for the United States in the 2010 World Cup, while also representing the U.S. in the 2008 Olympics.
Edu spent four seasons with Scottish powerhouse Rangers FC, winning three Scottish Premier League championships and helping lead the club to four UEFA Champions League appearances.
