Wayne Rooney, the decorated English soccer star, has agreed to a deal with D.C. United and will join the MLS club in time for the opening of its new stadium, ushering a fresh era for an organization eager to make a splash on and off the field.
According to people close to the negotiations, United has finalized a package with Rooney, 32, on a 2 1/2-year guaranteed contract worth about $13 million. The organization has 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.