Oct 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; D.C. United midfielder Luciano Acosta (11) looks to play a ball during the first half in a game against Toronto FC at BMO Field. D.C. United won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

D.C. United have reportedly bought attacking midfielder, Luciano Acosta, from Boca Juniors for $1.3 million after a loan move to Major League Soccer in 2016.

According to MLS Transfers, “DC United has officially bought Luciano Acosta from Boca Juniors for $1.3 million. Should be announced in next few days.” The attacking midfielder spent 2016 with D.C. United as he was on loan from the Argentine club. He displayed enough skill for the MLS side to buy him outright.

The 22-year old midfielder had a great first season in Major League Soccer as his play helped United reach the postseason. Although D.C. were eliminated in the knockout round, it was the club’s third straight playoff appearance. They finished with a 10W-13L-11D record which was good enough for fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Luciano has been with Boca Juniors since 2007 when he was a youth. In 2014, he made 25 appearances with the Argentine superpower. In 2015, he went out on loan to Estudiantes in Argentina. Playing with D.C. United was his first professional experience outside of his home country.

During his first year in MLS, Acosta recorded three goals and 11 assists in 31 games. He made 25 starts and his 11 assists were a team-high and tied him for eighth best in the league. The season-long loan was set to end after the 2016 season but United have decided to buy him outright going forward.

For D.C. to only pay $1.3 million for their leading assist man, it can almost be seen as a steal. Luciano is still young and can be a regular in the Starting XI for Ben Olsen and the team for years to come. He is a talented player with plenty of skill and Acosta has adjusted well to the style and play of the United States’ top-flight.

The Argentina international is set to be United’s most expensive transfer move in team history, according to transfermarkt.com. With the price tag, it comes with lofty expectations but Luciano has the ability to live up to those.

Want your voice heard? Join the MLS Multiplex team! Write for us!

This move helped D.C. United improve their squad for immediate and future success. Acosta is expected to be one of the team’s most important players moving forward. We’ll see how this move pays off for the four-time MLS Cup Champions.