D.C. United's teen sensation, Andy Najar, sold to Belgian club

Najar becomes MLS’ first homegrown player to permanently move to a European side

Andy Najar photo by Bo McMillan

Washington D.C. (January 30, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that defender/midfielder Andy Najar has been transferred to R.S.C. Anderlecht. Per team and League policy, the details of the deal were not disclosed. Najar became Major League Soccer’s first homegrown player to permanently move to a European side. Najar initially went on a training stint through the month of December before being loaned to the Belgian side for the month of January. The 19-year-old played 90 minutes in a January 11 friendly in a 4-2 victory against Dutch club SC Heracles Almelo and scored in a reserve match last week.

“It has been very rewarding to watch Andy grow and develop into becoming the special player that he is,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “This transfer is a testament to the hard work of our Academy staff, to Ben and his staff for their patience and vision, and to the MLS Homegrown Player initiative. We wish Andy all of the success in the world and we look forward to watching his career blossom. Looking ahead, we plan to focus on utilizing our resources and flexibility to continue to build our team.”

Former Edison High School Star, D.C. United defender Andy Najar on loan

Washington, D.C. (January 7, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that Andy Najar is now on loan with R.S.C. Anderlecht for the month of January, and will be available for selection during the timeframe. The Honduran international previously trained with the Belgian side during the month of December 2012.

“This is another very good opportunity for Andy to gain valuable experience with a top European club,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “We look forward to his return for the second half of our pre-season.” 

Najar, 19, had a fantastic third season with D.C. United, playing in 25 regular-season matches, starting 22, and notching four assists. The converted right fullback is a product of D.C. United’s Youth Academy, and became the second homegrown player to sign with the first team on March 22, 2010. That year, he went on to win the 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year award, as well as being named the 2010 D.C. United Volkswagen MVP. In his young, yet illustrious D.C. United career, Andy Najar has tallied 10 goals and 11 assists in the 82 MLS matches (72 starts) in which he has featured.  

Najar has made three appearances with the senior Honduras National Team and seven for the U-23s, including a run in the 2012 London Olympics in which the squad advanced to the quarterfinals. He earned his first cap for the country on Sept. 3, 2011 against Colombia at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.