D.C. United have announced that the club have agreed terms with German Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg for the permanent transfer of Homegrown winger Kevin Paredes. The Black-and-Red acquired a club record $7.35 million as a transfer fee plus additional add-ons based on performance, as well as a sell-on fee on any future transfer of the player by Wolfsburg.
“We couldn’t be prouder and happier for Kevin to follow his dreams to compete in a great league like the German Bundesliga,” said Dave Kasper, President of Soccer Operations for D.C. United. “Kevin’s rapid rise from our Academy to a first team starter is a testament to his desire, talent, and commitment, as well as a lot of hard work and support from our great coaches and staff at the club. All of us at the club wish Kevin a very long and successful professional career.”
Paredes signed as the 15th Homegrown Signing in club history on Jan. 17, 2020 at 16-years-old. The winger made his debut for the club that season as a 58th-minute substitute in the 2-2 draw with Toronto FC in the MLS is Back Tournament on July 13, 2020. In his rookie season, Paredes made 17 appearances (nine starts) and recorded his first professional assist, a stoppage-time and game-winning assist, in the 2-1 win against Atlanta United FC on Oct. 24, 2020. The 18-year-old had a breakout season in 2021 and became a regular in the Black-and-Red lineup under Head Coach Hernán Losada. The wingback scored three goals and recorded an assist in 24 appearances (19 starts) in 2021. His first professional goal came in the 7-1 win against Toronto FC on July 3, 2021. His performances in 2021 earned him a call-up for the U.S. Men’s National Team for their December 2021 camp.
“We are extremely proud of Kevin and the work that he has done to earn his opportunity to play at the highest level in Europe,” Lucy Rushton, D.C. United General Manager said. “As a Homegrown, this transfer reflects the commitment and investment our ownership have made in our Academy infrastructure to prepare Kevin to fulfill his lifelong dream. We want to thank him for representing the club with so much pride and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter in the top flight of European soccer.”
Paredes, a South Riding, Va., native, started his youth career with Loudoun Soccer before joining D.C. United’s academy in 2016. Paredes made three appearances (one start) during the 2019/20 season for D.C. United’s USL Championship affiliate, Loudoun United FC. Paredes recorded one assist and maintained a passing accuracy of 79%. As a member of D.C. United’s academy since the U-13 level, Paredes scored 39 goals in 85 U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) appearances (61 starts).
Paredes has represented the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team on three occasions, scoring a goal and recording an assist. He made his debut in a friendly against the Netherlands U-17 squad on November 14, 2019. During the match, Paredes scored his first goal for the national team as he helped his squad to a 3-3 draw. In the 3-2 victory over Turkey’s U-17 team on November 18, 2019, the midfielder recorded an assist for the United States second goal of the match.
Transaction: D.C. United acquire a $7.35 million transfer fee plus additional add-ons based on performance, as well as a sell-on fee from VfL Wolfsburg (Bundesliga) for Homegrown winger Kevin Paredes
