New York Cosmos complete Walter Restrepo deal, acquire Philadelphia Union midfielder on loan

The New York Cosmos finally made a move on Tuesday, acquiring Philadelphia Union midfielder Michael Lahoud on loan, to complete the Walter Restrepo signing. The Cosmos will have Lahoud on loan for the entire 2016 season as part of the arrangement to allow Restrepo to join the Major League Soccer side, in addition to a transfer fee which has not been disclosed.

Lahoud was born in Sierra Leone, the nation he represents at the international level. He's been in the United States since the age of six, however, and won't use one of New York's valuable international roster spots this season, leaving them free for the boys in green and white to use on other roster needs.

Lahoud is a central midfielder that was once drafted ninth overall in the MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA, where he played from 2009-2012. He was then traded to the Union for Danny Califf, who was run out of town by former Head Coach Peter Nowak.

Cosmos coach Gio Savarese is obviously pleased with the move, and had the following to say about Lahoud's addition:

"We’re pleased to announce this player as we head into the 2016 NASL season. Michael is a very experienced player and his quality will be very important to us as we look to strengthen ourselves in the central midfield positions."

With both Danny Szetela and Adam Moffat still in New York, along with Ruben Bover, the Cosmos appear to be set in in the center of the pitch. They still lack defensive depth and need quite a few attackers, however, so I'd expect this to be the first of several moves that we here this month.

We'll have much more on Lahoud in the coming days. Best of luck in MLS, Walter.