WASHINGTON – Already in the midst of the best start in club history, D.C. United gave their fans another shot of good news on Friday.
United announced that they’d come to terms with goalkeeper Bill Hamid, renewing his contract in what the club is calling a “multi-year” deal. Though details of the deal weren’t disclosed, the Washington Post's Steven Goff reported that the deal will likely make him the highest-paid ‘keeper in MLS and keep him between the pipes at RFK Stadium for another three years.
"It means a lot to me,” Hamid told MLSsoccer.com after United’s training session on Tuesday morning. "This is a great club, great history, we’re in a great position right now, playing good, attractive football and we have a big goal on our hands right now. Every step of the way we have to stay focused and accomplish that goal.”
Hamid has long been considered among the league’s best 'keepers, but his stock has risen considerably over the past couple of years. A stellar 2014 campaign earned him a series of call-ups to the United States senior national team and a 2014 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. Despite missing a handful of games to injury in 2015, the United academy product has extended his strong run of form, posting a league-leading 0.67 goals-against average across six starts.
"It’s great,” said United head coach Ben Olsen of the new contract. "He’s one of ours, he grew up with this club, rooting for this club and playing in the academy. Now to watch him have success not only with the first team – eventually he’s going to be a guy who has success with the national team as well. To lock him up for a few years, to at least keep him around while we can, is a good thing for our fans and this organization.”
Clubs across the pond have taken notice. Hamid has long been the subject of transfer speculation – United are certainly more aware of this than anybody – and the decision to re-sign him likely works out for all parties involved. D.C.’s fans get to watch one of the league’s best and brightest week in and week out, Hamid gets a sizable and well-earned raise and United ensure that they’ll collect a transfer fee if he someday makes the move abroad before his new contract runs out.
On Tuesday, Hamid asserted that he remains focused on the task at hand – helping his team continue to collect positive results as they head towards midseason. But he also acknowledged that many talented US goalkeepers have plied their trade in Europe over the years.
"I didn’t sign here for the rest of my career,” Hamid said with a chuckle. "There’s always a goal, an end product, it’s just about progression. Every year is calculated in my book – every year. Especially me as a goalkeeper, every year matters. I have to see progression each step of the way.”
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Hamid also acknowledged that his still-budding role with Jurgen Klinsmann’s USMNT side played into his decision. Though Klinsmann has repeatedly extolled the benefits of US players testing themselves at Europe’s highest levels, he and his staff have also made it clear that regular playing time is paramount when it comes to getting a call-up.
"The best way for me to keep progressing right now, at 24 years old, is to keep playing. My national team coach says it, other coaches around the world say it, they need their players playing – and I’m playing,” said Hamid. “Every game is valuable and vital to my growth right now. We’ll see where I’m at a couple years down the road.”
Added Olsen: “At some point, maybe [Hamid will move abroad]. But for the short term, he’ll be here and he’s excited about that, we’re excited about it and hopefully he keeps growing and plays for a big team in Europe.
"For now though his focus is here, to win games and keep himself in the national team picture."
