Wayne Rooney’s reshaping of D.C. United’s roster began with a big splash Friday, when wing back Julian Gressel was traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps for up to $900,000 in financial considerations, people familiar with the deal said.
Team officials declined to comment and Gressel did not immediately reply to a message, but a person close to the situation said MLS has approved the trade and an announcement is expected no later than Saturday.
Gressel, 28, led United in assists the past two seasons and ranked third in MLS in 2021 with 13. But under Rooney, his position is being phased out as United shifts from a three-man back line with wing backs to a four-man formation.