After struggling to nail down a place in the Red Star Belgrade first XI, Kenyan international Richard Odada is hoping to rediscover his career in the Major Soccer League (MLS) after joining Philadelphia Union.The tenacious defensive midfielder joins the 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield champions on a two-and-a-half-year contract with an option for a third and fourth year.Confirmed! Richard Odada is heading to the MLS in a $200,000 transfer!According to sources, the deal is in the region of $200,000 and he is expected to join the squad after receiving his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa where he will occupy an international roster slot.The club’s Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner was impressed by the versatility of Odada as he can be deployed in a number of positions across midfield as well as feature as a center-back.🚨 IT’S OFFICIAL 🚨Philadelphia Union sign defensive midfielder Richard Odada from @crvenazvezdafk.Welcome to Philly, Richard!📝👉 https://t.co/wzZh2IvX3o#DOOP pic.twitter.com/UFCbPJ0nDG— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) August 2, 2022 “Richard is a holding midfielder with positional versatility and a great potential to be a valuable contributor as we continue to develop our roster.He can play multiple midfield roles as well as a centre-back, and he has the height, speed, and physicality we were searching for. We look forward to integrating him this year and encouraging his development for the future,” said Tanner.Odada joined Red Star’s junior side back in 2019 from the AFC Leopards Youth Team but only managed two senior appearances for the 1991 Champions League winners.##NAJAVA_MECA_6542336##The 21-year-old was however shipped out on loan to second-tier clubs Graficar and Metalac in the last two seasons with the stints failing to convince the Red Star hierarchy to keep him.Odada will join compatriots Philip Mayaka, who plays for Colorado Rapids, California-born Nabilai Kibunguchy and former Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama who turns out for CF Montreal.
