D.C. United has made plans to conduct much of training camp in Saudi Arabia, finalizing an 18-day visit that might lead to annual preseason trips there and visits by Saudi clubs to Washington.
United, which began workouts this week in Leesburg, will depart for the Middle East on Tuesday and play friendlies against Saudi clubs Al Wehda and Al Ettifaq, which is coached by former English star Steven Gerrard; Sudanese club Al Hilal; and the Sudanese national team.
United is not the only MLS team to visit Saudi Arabia: Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, will play two matches, including a Feb.