LEESBURG, Va. – Loudoun United FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed Surafel Dagnachew Mengestu to a two-year contract, with an option for the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federal approval.

Mengestu joins Loudoun with extensive experience at the club and international level, having made 24 appearances and recorded three goals for his native Ethiopia. The 26-year-old was named the 2019 Ethiopian Football Federation Player of the Year and in 2022 featured as the side competed in the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time this century.

“Surafel is a very good attacking midfielder who comes in with tremendous Ethiopian National Team experience and has played in some massive competitions, “said Head Coach Ryan Martin. “He is a very good connector of the game and we are excited to have him join us.”

At the club level, Mengestu has competed for Fasil Kenema in Ethiopia since 2018, during which time he appeared in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.