D.C. United on Friday announced the transfer of 18-year-old center back Matai Akinmboni to Bournemouth in the English Premier League, ending months of negotiations and ushering another homegrown player to Europe.

D.C. United continue to make a plethora of moves this off-season, this time by way of a transfer out and in. First, D.C. United have transferred homegrown centerback Matai Akinmboni to English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth for a reported fee up to $2.

AFC Bournemouth on Friday announced the signing of United States youth international Matai Akinmboni from MLS club D.C. United.

BOURNEMOUTH, England (AP) — Premier League club Bournemouth signed 18-year-old American defender Matai Akinmboni from DC United on Friday. The center back, who made his Major League Soccer debut at age 15, signed a long-term deal though neither club disclosed financial terms of the transfer.

Bournemouth has confirmed the signing of U.S. youth international Matai Akinmboni from D.C. United. The 18-year-old defender moves to the Premier League for an initial fee of $1.5 million, which could rise to $2.5 million if incentives are met, per The Washington Post. DCU will also retain a percentage of any future transfer fees.

Akinmboni, 18, moves to Dean Court for a mooted €1m. Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis said: "He is an exciting young player we have been monitoring for an extended period and have been impressed by his progress. "Matai is a player we believe has a very bright future and we are looking forward to seeing him develop with us."

Bournemouth have signed centre-back Matai Akinmboni from DC United. Akinmboni, 18, became one of the youngest debutants in Major League Soccer history for DC United in September 2022 at 15 years and 328 days and went on to make 17 appearances.

Bournemouth have announced the signing of young talent Matai Akinmboni as their first January arrival.The Cherries, who are flying high in the Premier League under Andone Iraola, have added the USA