D.C. United have signed goalkeeper David Ochoa from Real Salt Lake in exchange for $75,000 in 2023 general allocation money, the clubs confirmed Friday.
If Ochoa -- who is out of contract at the end of the season -- signs a new deal with Wayne Rooney's side, RSL will receive a further $150,000 GAM in 2023 and $150,000 GAM in 2024. Additionally, if D.C. United transfer Ochoa during the 2022 season then Real Salt Lake will receive $300,000 GAM in 2023.
RSL also hold a 25% sell-on fee, should D.C. United permanently transfer Ochoa outside of MLS.
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"David is an extremely talented and competitive goalkeeper," Dave Kasper, D.C. United's president of soccer operations said in the team's announcement. "We believe he has the ability to make an immediate impact for us this season, and someone who we consider a viable option for us longer-term as we evaluate the goalkeeper position beyond 2022."
Ochoa, 21, delivered some sparking displays during last year's MLS Cup playoffs, including during the penalty shootout win against the Seattle Sounders. But he hasn't played a minute during the regular season this year after getting injured in preseason.
There has been disciplinary action by the club as well, with Ochoa stating on Instagram that he has not been allowed to train with the first team and has been forced to train with Real Monarchs, Real Salt Lake's reserve side, instead.
Earlier this week, MLSSoccer.com reported that Ochoa was drawing interest from the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, Club America and Monaco.
Ochoa is a product of Real Salt Lake's academy, and signed a Homegrown deal in 2018. He took over the starting goalkeeper spot in 2021, making 25 starts.
At international level Ochoa represented the United States at youth level, but in August 2021 he filed a one-time switch with FIFA to represent Mexico.
