Option declined following 2018 season.
Najem is a playmaking midfielder who joins the Union after spending his youth career in the Red Bulls Academy. A top player in the NCAA during his college career, he has the talent to compete for more minutes in his sophomore season after appearing in just five games in 2017.
COLLEGE: In his four years at the University of Akron, Najem totaled 89 appearances (87 starts) and 95 points on 33 goals and 29 assists. He was named the 2016 Mid-America Conference Player of the Year and was a four-time first team All-MAC honoree. Additionally, the midfielder was named a second team NSCAA All-American in 2015 and a third team NSCAA All-American in 2016. He also earned first team NSCAA Academic All-America honors in 2015 and 2016..
AMATEUR: Produced 2 goals and 10 assists in helping the Michigan Bucks to the 2016 Premier Development League championship, earning the PDL Creative Player of the Year award. Reached the 2015 PDL championship game with the Red Bulls U-23 team. A member of the Red Bulls' youth academy since age 11, Najem led New York to the 2012 US Soccer Development Academy U-16 national championship, assisting on the championship game's only goal, scored by Alex Muyl, at Finals Week in Houston.
PERSONAL: Brother, David Najem, played in New York Red Bulls Academy, at Columbia University, and professionally in Germany before signing a USL contract in 2016.
