On Friday, United announced it had signed the U.S. national team center back to a long-term pact. Terms were not disclosed, but sources said the deal is guaranteed for three years, starting next season, and includes a club-held option in 2020.

It’s also “on the cusp,” a source said, of designated player status ($457,500), which probably means his base salary quadrupled from the 2016 rate of $86,350. His overall compensation this year was $116,350, according to MLS Players Union data.

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Later Friday, United said it had used targeted allocation money to bring him below the designated player threshold, which means he will collect DP money but won’t be listed as a DP.

Had he played out his contract next season, Birnbaum would have been free next winter to sign with a European club without United able to collect a transfer fee. He could still end up overseas in the coming years; Israeli clubs showed interest at various times this season and his U.S. national team status has raised his international profile. But because he is under contract, D.C. would be able to negotiate a transfer price. This year, United turned down an Israeli offer exceeding $1 million.

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Birnbaum, who will turn 26 next month, was an MLS rookie of the year finalist in 2014 and finished fifth in defender of the year voting this season. He set career marks in league appearances (26), starts (26) and goals (three).

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His performance at U.S. training camp last winter and with United throughout the season earned him regular call-ups from Jurgen Klinsmann to the national team for friendlies, World Cup qualifiers and Copa America Centenario. He is almost certain to receive an invitation from new U.S. coach Bruce Arena for next month’s camp in Carson, Calif.

“Through his work ethic and unwavering competitiveness, Steve has developed into a top central defender in MLS,” Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said in a written statement. “Steve has become a leader in the locker room and has made a strong connection with his teammates, our fans and the city. We are thrilled to have secured the long-term future of another talented young player as we move into 2017 and beyond.”

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Birnbaum’s contract is the second major deal struck by United since the season ended with a first-round playoff defeat to the Montreal Impact in late October. The club finalized the acquisition of Argentine playmaker Luciano Acosta, 22, who had been on loan from Boca Juniors this season. The club paid an estimated $1.4 million for his permanent rights.

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The next target is veteran right back Sean Franklin, whose contract expires this month. If he doesn’t accept United’s offer, Franklin, 31, meets the criteria for MLS free agency (at least 28 years old with eight years of MLS service). He has started 80 league matches in three seasons in Washington.