One of the most talented goalkeepers in the MLS has decided to make a permanent move to Europe. Former United States international goalkeeper Bill Hamid signed for Danish side FC Midtjylland on Monday, a day after announcing he was leaving D.C. United at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old shot-stopped had already confirmed one week ago he was leaving, although he never said where he was going. Midtjylland and Eintracht Frankfurt emerged as alternatives, but he chose the Danish side because he is most likely to become a starter there.
Midtjylland have played in Europe in each of the past four years, though they only reached the group stage in the 2015-16 Europa League. During that remarkable run, they defeated Manchester United in the first leg of a knockout stage game that year, but lost the tie on aggregate.
“I was going to be a No. 2 at [Eintracht] Frankfurt, and I didn’t know if I would have preferred that. But this is an opportunity to walk in, be a starter and continue playing, which is important,” he said.
The move to Europe was a logical step in his career and there is no question it will help his development, as he is expected to become a regular member of the USMNT sooner than later with the impeding retirement of legends such as Tim Howard and Brad Guzan.
Hamid signed for D.C. United as a homegrown player in 2009 and has played for them ever since. He was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2014, and has also represented the USMNT on several occasions.
