Rangers have announced the signing of defensive midfielder Maurice Edu from MLS side Toronto FC for a fee of £2.6m ( $5m). The American international 22, has signed a five year contract, and the move will be completed as soon as the player receives a work permit.
Edu becomes Walter Smith’s third signing in the last seven days, the other two being Aaron Niguez Esclapez from Valencia ( on loan with an option to buy) and Portuguese midfielder Pedro Mendes. Fans of Rangers made their displeasure felt at Carlos Cuellar’s departure, but the new signings will give them something to cheer about.
Edu has been capped six times for the United States, and was also part of their Beijing Olympics squad that failed to qualify from a group that also consisted of Nigeria, Netherlands and Japan. He won the MLS Rookie of the Year award in November 2007.
Edu was recommended to Smith by former Rangers striker Maurice Johnston, who is currently the director of soccer at Toronto FC.
Edu joins compatriot Da Marcus Beasley at Ibrox.
Smith is also close to signing Steven Davis from Fulham, and is also reportedly in the market for another central defender.