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D.C. United close to re-signing Steve Clark

Bill Hamid’s late season replacement looks to be back in DC next year

MLS: San Jose Earthquakes at D.C. United Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

We have now figured out a least part of the reason that D.C. United’s roster status announcement has been delayed for so long. Sources close to the team have confirmed to Black and Red United that United is close to a new agreement with Steve Clark. This would keep United’s late-season starter with the club and give them a number one starting option going into next season.

When it was becoming clear that Bill Hamid was going to leave the club to go to Europe, United went and signed Clark on a free transfer from AC Horsens of the Danish Superliga. Prior to that, Clark was a mainstay with the Columbus Crew, starting 100 games and helping to lead them to an appearance in MLS Cup.

A new agreement would make it seem that United is not exercising the rumored large option that Clark had in his current contract. One possible scenario would be that the team is giving Clark more guaranteed years in exchange for slightly less per season than the option.

With Hamid gone, securing a top-tier MLS starter was essential, and they have done that with Clark. I still hope they bring in another keeper to challenge him, but this was a necessary step moving into 2018.