The Philadelphia Union have signed former Akron standout Adam Najem, the club announced Wednesday.
Philadelphia acquired the right of first refusal for the 22-year-old playmaker from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2018 MLS draft.
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The Red Bulls had priority to sign Najem because he played in the club's academy system, but Goal reported last month that the New Jersey native would not be signing with New York after failing to come to terms on a contract. Najem has spent the MLS preseason training with the Union.
"He is a player that has shown his abilities throughout his collegiate career and continued that this preseason," Union sporting director Earnie Stewart said in a news release. "Adam is a player that provides depth for us and we are thrilled to see what he will bring to our club."
A 5-foot-8 midfielder, Najem racked up 33 goals and 29 assists over four seasons with Akron from 2013 to 2016.