Wayne Rooney has swooped to sign Nottingham Forest ace Lewis O’Brien on loan for DC United to boost their 2023 MLS title hopes.
The midfielder has struggled for consistent game time amid a flurry of signings after Forest returned to the Premier League this season. O’Brien has appeared in 13 matches and scored once - with the goal coming in a 3-2 loss to Fulham at the City Ground.
The 24-year-old signed for the Reds during the summer transfer window. He cost the club £10million from Huddersfield but an illness around the World Cup break saw him lose his place in the side while Forest’s form improved.
O’Brien hasn’t made an appearance for Forest since the middle of January, when he came on for the final 20 minutes of a 2-0 victory over Leicester. He has been in limbo for several weeks. The club had sanctioned a move to Blackburn on loan for the remainder of the season in January - but Rovers submitted the wrong paperwork which scuppered the move.
Forest had also used all 25 of their available places in their Premier League squad for the remainder of the season, so a move to the MLS is perfect to give him game-time. Rooney is clearly excited with O’Brien’s arrival and believes he will add quality to his DC United squad.
“Lewis has been one of the best players in the Championship over the last few seasons,” said the Manchester United legend. “He reads the game well and creates goal-scoring opportunities.
“Bringing him in on loan from Nottingham Forest was a great bit of business for us and he will be a brilliant addition to our midfield.”
DC United were able to secure the signing of O'Brien as the MLS transfer window is open from 31 January until 24 April. He joins the club on loan until July 16 - and Forest manager Steve Cooper praised the move.
“Lewis deserves this opportunity to go and play football,” the 43-year-old said. “Everyone knows about his situation, so now he is able to go and get some games under his belt between now and the end of the season which will be a real positive for Lewis. It will be a great experience and we wish him well.”
DC United are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, winning just one of their first four matches to start the season. The Black-and-Red welcome the high-flying New England Revolution to Audi Field in their next match on Saturday.
