Oguchi Onyewu signs 3 Year Deal with AC Milan

On the heels of the success obtained by the US National Team at the Confederations Cup in South Africa, followed much speculation about which American players would benefit with big, exciting, or interesting new contracts. This morning American footy fans woke to the news that Oguchi Onyewu, a center back, has signed a 3 year deal with AC Milan. Gooch, as he is known by his fans, is the first US soccer player to sign with a Serie A club since Alexi Lalas played for Padova from 1994 to 1996. Gooch, unlike many of his teammates for the US Squad, has never played in MLS, his senior career has involved stints at Metz, La Louviere, Standard Liege, and Newcastle United. Last season Gooch played in the Jupiler League and his team, Standard Liege, won the title.

Check out the Reuters article below, which indicates that the Gooch signing was a means to address the supporter unrest that Milan has been faced with this week. Since Onyewu holds a Belgian passport, he does not count as a non-EU player.

Here's some news articles and Blog Posts on Onyewu's signing with AC Milan:

The AP

Yanks Abroad

Sky Sports

Match Fit USA

Alexi Lalas on Gooch's Signing with Milan from Goal.com

Reuters

ESPN

Channel 4 - Football Italia