D.C. United added winger Lloyd Sam from the New York Red Bulls on Thursday in a trade for general allocation money.
The move will allow the Red Bulls to pursue a potential designated player signing, after coach Jesse Marsch said on Tuesday that the club was looking to sign a forward to complement Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Though he did not play in the Red Bulls most recent two MLS games, Sam has started regularly for the Red Bulls in the past, scoring 20 goals and 22 assists in 106 regular-season games since 2012.
"Lloyd is a dangerous winger and has challenged us for years with the Red Bulls," said United general manager Dave Kasper. "He is a creative player who not only generates many chances from wide areas with quality service but he is also a proven goal scorer."
Sam wrote on Twitter that he was "in tears" upon hearing the news, but later said he had the support of his club.
Just had a great conversation with Ben Olsen my new head coach.. Fills me with great confidence to hear his enthusiasm to come and get me..
- Lloyd sam (@MrLloydSam) July 7, 2016
Sam, a 31-year-old Ghana international, played with Charlton and Leeds in England before joining the Red Bulls.
He should be available to play for D.C. against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.