Official: Union acquire Walter Restrepo

The Philadelphia Union have acquired Walter Restrepo from the New York Cosmos, the team announced today. In exchange, the Cosmos receive an undisclosed fee and Michael Lahoud on a season-long loan.

Last week, Kevin Kinkead reported that Restrepo was on his way to the Union. Dave Martinez of Empire of Soccer later reported the same, adding that Leo Fernandes, who spent his 2015 season with the Cosmos, would not be returning to the NASL side. Last night, Brian Straus of Sports Illustrated revealed that Michael Lahoud would be the player heading to the Cosmos.

Last month, the Union announced that they were negotiating with the out-of-contract Lahoud. Though a new deal was not announced, it seems that one has been struck.

Though Restrepo was under contract for 2016, as the Cosmos possessed a club option, Head Coach Giovanni Savarese agreed to let the player seek out more illustrious employment.

Restrepo, 27, has played in the North American Soccer League for the past five seasons. He's been named to the league's Best XI twice: in 2012 and 2014.

An experienced winger, Restrepo will join Chris Pontius, Sebastien Le Toux, and Eric Ayuk on the flanks, forming quite a solid corps.