D.C. United acquired striker Tai Baribo in a $4 million cash-for-player trade with the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, marking the first big offseason move for the Black and Red.
Baribo, who’s turning 28 in January, signed a new multiyear deal with United, keeping him in D.C. through the 2029-2030 MLS season. He becomes D.C.’s newest designated player, a status given to high-valued players whose wages do not entirely count against a team’s salary cap.
United may send an additional $600,000 to Philadelphia if Baribo meets certain performance incentives, according to a news release.
Baribo will be presented to the media in an introductory press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Baribo joins D.C. United after a three-season stint with the Philadelphia Union, where he played in 67 games and scored 35 goals.
He will be replacing former Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke, who announced that he was leaving the team after United declined to opt in the final year of his contract. During his time in D.C., he scored 47 goals in 93 matches.
The trade kicks off another rebuilding offseason for United after ending the 2025 season in last place.
United has two designated player roster spots remaining for the upcoming season. Team owner Jason Levien told WTOP in September that he expected United to utilize all three designated player spots.
This is a developing story. Stay with WTOP for more.
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