Philadelphia Union sign Maurice Edu to permanent deal from Stoke City

Maurice Edu is remaining in the City of Brotherly Love. Permanently.

The Philadelphia Union announced Wednesday that they have signed the American midfielder to a multi-year contract, making his loan deal from Premier League side Stoke City permanent.

Edu, 28, spent last season at PPL Park and became a central member of the squad, starting 31 matches, scoring three goals and adding a pair of assists en route to being named to the MLS All-Star team.

"I couldn't be happier to permanently return to Philadelphia and to play in front of our great fans," Edu said of the move. "I believe in this team’s future and am excited to be an integral part of that."