North American Soccer League side Miami FC completed the signing of defensive midfielder, Michael Lahoud from the Philadelphia Union following his recall from fellow NASL side, New York Cosmos on Tuesday afternoon for a fee believed to be in the realm of $300,000.
The Sierra Leone international had been with the Hempstead, New York-based side since January following a deal that saw Walter Restrepo go the Union on a permanent basis while Lahoud would spend a season on loan to the Cosmos.
Poor timing for the Cosmos
The recall comes at a poor time for the Cosmos who despite leading the league are currently suffering from an injury crisis; however, according to the Cosmos, the option to recall, which is standard in all MLS loans was always available for the Union.
The transfer, while a welcomed addition, may be regarded as too little too late for Miami FC who sit at the bottom of the league through seven matches, having yet to win a game and having already been eliminated from playoff contention for the season. The expansion team, owned by AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini and coached by his former teammate, Alessandro Nesta boast big named former European-based players including Wilson Palacios and Dario Cvitanich but are apparently failing to perform so far.
Lahoud, soccer player and social activist
Lahoud spent most of his career with Major League Soccer sides Chivas USA and the Union, appearing in 122 matches, amassing two goals and eight assists. He was, however, only truly a starter for the Union in 2012, otherwise filling in when injuries to Brian Caroll, Maurice Edu, and Vicent Nogueira occurred.
He was the recipient of the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month award in 2010 as well as co-recipient of the 2015 FIFPro Merit Award along with New England Revolution forward, Kei Kamara for their creation of a school for children displaced by the civil war in their home country of Sierra Leone. Lahoud has been noted for being extremely socially active through his career.
Lahoud is likely to make his debut on May 27th as Miami FC welcome second-placed FC Edmonton to FIU Stadium.