Official: D.C. United signs forward Nigel Robertha

The Black-and-Red have bolstered their frontline with the in-form Dutch-born forward

After weeks of back and forth, D.C. United have officially acquired forward Nigel Robertha from Levski Sofia. The 23-year-old native of the Netherlands has signed a deal through the 2023 season (with a club-held option for 2024), with United using Targeted Allocation Money to complete the deal. The Black-and-Red’s announcement notes that Robertha will not join the team until after completing a medical exam, and after United gets both his U.S. visa and his International Transfer Certificate.

“We have been monitoring Nigel over the past two seasons and we’ve been impressed with him in all phases of the game, particularly his ability to stretch the game vertically, press and counter-press, and score and manufacture all types of goals in every situation,” said United GM Dave Kasper in a team press release.

Robertha’s career with Levski Sofia saw him credited with 20 goals and 8 assists in 39 appearances, and in recent days he has been red hot, posting 7 goals in Levski’s last five games. Previously, Robertha came through Feyenoord’s academy system before moving on to SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden, where he became a regular starter at just 19 years old.

Robertha has played on multiple Dutch youth national teams, but is also eligible to play for Curaçao at the international level.

The move brings United up to 28 players under contract, and rather significantly gives the club eight international players while only having six international spots. There are still over three weeks before United has any games or roster compliance to deal with, so it’s safe to expect some other move — whether that’s a trade for another spot, a player or two receiving their green card, or a younger international starting the season on loan with Loudoun United — between now and mid-April.