Forward Eddie Johnson completed an agreement today to transfer from the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer to English Premier League club Fulham FC. Johnson led the Wizards with 15 goals and recorded a career-high six assists in 2007. He was named team MVP and MLS Comeback Player of the Year. Per team and league policy, specific financial details of the transfer will not be disclosed. The Wizards will, however, receive a replacement allocation.
"When a player of Eddie Johnson's caliber signs with an English Premier League team, it speaks to the level of play in Major League Soccer," Technical Director Peter Vermes said. "Eddie grew as a player in Kansas City, capped by a very good 2007 season. We appreciate his time with the Kansas City Wizards and wish him nothing but the best at Fulham. This makes sense for all parties in the business of soccer and we, as an organization, are constantly evaluating and looking for talent."
"I have coached Eddie (Johnson) on the National Team and club level for over four years, since his debut on the U.S. squad in 2004," Head Coach Curt Onalfo said. "I have really enjoyed seeing and being a part of his progress as a player and will continue to follow his successes at Fulham. As a team, we will move on and we are preparing for the beginning of pre-season, which starts on Monday. We do have plans on bringing in more goal-scoring forwards to our team, as transfers are a part of the business. We all sincerely thank Eddie for his service in Kansas City. I know this was a difficult decision for him because he truly enjoyed playing for the Wizards and we wish him tremendous success in the English Premiership."
Johnson, 23, is a regular member of the U.S. National Team. He played in 11 international matches in 2007 (8 starts) and scored two goals. Kansas City acquired Johnson from FC Dallas prior to the 2006 MLS season for allocation money. Kansas City will retain Johnson's rights should he return eventually to MLS.
Johnson becomes the 5th American on Fulham's roster, joining goalkeeper Kasey Keller, defender Carlos Bocanegra, forward/midfielder Clint Dempsey and forward Brian McBride.
