Rooney is on the way to D.C. United after finalizing deal

WASHINGTON — Wayne Rooney, the decorated English soccer star, has agreed to a deal with D.C. United and will join the Major League Soccer club in time for the opening of its new stadium, ushering in a fresh era for an organization eager to make a splash on and off the field.

According to people close to the negotiations, United finalized a package with Rooney, 32, on a 21⁄ year guaranteed contract worth about $13 million. The club will hold an option for an additional year. The organization also agreed to purchase his rights from Premier League club Everton for an undisclosed transfer fee. United is awaiting only final paperwork to arrive from Everton.

The forward will become the highestpaid player in team history by a large margin and inject the team with a marquee name to appeal to the masses in a city with several larger-than-life sports heroes.

D.C. United and Everton on Thursday morning both acknowledged the move, first reported as finalized by the Insider on Wednesday night.

Rooney, the career scoring leader for both fabled Manchester United and the English national team, is scheduled to arrive in the Washington area on Thursday afternoon and begin training with his new teammates soon. He is not eligible to play until MLS’s transfer and trade window opens July 10, four days before the grand opening of Audi Field, United’s new venue in Southwest D.C.

He’ll be available for 20 league matches, including15 at home.

“It is fantastic to be joining D.C. United at such an exciting time in the club’s history with the new stadium opening in just a few weeks,” Rooney said in a statement released by United on Thursday.