D.C. United Enhances Squad with Munteanu and Other Key Signings

Denis Munteanu, 23, has made a notable impact this season with Cluj, recording two goals and five assists in 14 league appearances. His career began with Fiorentina at the age of 18, although he did not play for the first team, opting instead to gain valuable experience through various loan spells in Romania.

His performance has attracted attention from several European clubs, including Valencia, during both the previous summer and more recently. This context makes D.C. United’s reported interest significant, as they look to acquire a player still regarded as possessing the potential to compete effectively at a high level in Europe.

In light of a challenging season, D.C. United is in the midst of a major rebuild following their last-place finish in MLS, accumulating only 26 points. As part of this restructuring process, the club is advancing with the Munteanu deal while also signing Japanese left back Keisuke Kurokawa from Gamba Osaka, forward Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union for $4 million, and veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Additionally, D.C. United has traded for center back Sean Nealis from the New York Red Bulls and used the No. 1 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft to select Nikola Markovic. Baribo will take up one of D.C.’s Designated Player slots, with Munteanu anticipated to fill another.

In a strategic move, the club declined the contract option for Belgian striker Christian Benteke, the 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner, which paves the way for the revamped attacking lineup to center around Munteanu, Baribo, and summer acquisition Caden Clark as they continue their rebuilding efforts.