Union make Maurice Edu signing official

The Philadelphia Union will officially announce the signing of former MLS Rookie of the Year Maurice Edu Tuesday.

The Philadelphia Union finally made it official, signing U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Maurice Edu from Stoke City FC on a one-year loan with an option to purchase, the team announced Monday.

Edu played on the U.S. 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, and joins Philadelphia after being acquired with the Union’s number one overall allocation ranking. Specifics of the deal have not yet been announced but a press conference will be held Tuesday.

“As a U.S. international with experience playing against some of the best competition in the world, Maurice adds a wealth of knowledge, skill and leadership to our club while still being in his prime,” manager John Hackworth said. “We think he will be an excellent addition to our squad and we are very excited to have him return to MLS and represent the Philadelphia Union.”

Edu was a the MLS Rookie of the Year in 2007 after being the No. 1 overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft. He has been in Europe since 2008.

The 27-year-old spent three years at the University of Maryland, where he recorded 10 goals and 11 assists in 55 games.