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D.C. United acquires Lucas Rodriguez, 21, on initial loan from Estudiantes

Lucas Rodriguez will join D.C. United in 2019. 

D.C. United added promising Argentine attacking midfielder Lucas Rodriguez on an initial loan with an option to buy on Monday.

Although he's just 21, Rodriguez has already made 90 first-team appearances for Estudiantes in Argentina, scording eight goals with five assists.

Rodriguez was also a key figure in Argentina's under-20 national team, starting at the U-20 World Cup and the South American Championship in 2017.

He will join Luciano Acosta and Wayne Rooney to create an impressive attack for D.C. United next season.

"We are excited to add a player of Lucas' pedigree and experience to our roster ahead of the 2019 season," United general manager Dave Kasper said in a statement. "At 21, he has been a consistent starter at the top level of Argentine soccer over the last three seasons and has both Copa Liberatadores and U-20 World Cup experience with Argentina.

"Lucas can play any of the attacking positions centrally and in wide areas, and has all the qualities to succeed in Major League Soccer. We are looking forward to welcoming Lucas to the team and having him represent the Black-and-Red."

D.C. sent $50,000 of general allocation money to Atlanta United in exchange for Rodriguez's discovery rights.