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Tag: Julian Carranza

  • Union Eyeing a Shocking Move, Tai Baribo to D.C. United – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Wes Shepherd-PHLSportsNation

    The Philadelphia Union has a clear way to do business.

    Spend little to bring in an unknown player, turn them into an all-star, and make a profit before it comes to pay them.

    The newest iteration of that process is taking shape and is coming as a shock to many Union fans.

    Tai Baribo Nearing a Move to DC United

    Shocking news broke on Friday from Tom Bogert that Union star forward Tai Baribo is soon to be on the move down I-95 to rivals DC United. Baribo joined the Union in 2023. However, never earned favor with former manager Jim Curtin. Baribo exploded onto the scene in late 2024 and became an MLS All-Star under Bradley Carnell in 2025.

    In 32 games, Baribo paced the Union in goals with 18. However, Baribo never really created chances for himself. Baribo is a lethal finisher, but without a great buildup, he struggled. Specifically, Baribo went cold at times it mattered most, the US Open Cup and MLS Cup playoffs.

    Now, the Union is doing what it does best, profiting on an investment. In 2023, the Union spent about $1.6 million on Baribo. Granted, it is a much larger investment than the club would usually make. DC United is reportedly offering upwards of $4 million for Baribo now. Just about tripling profit on an investment is just good business.

    Should Fans Be Upset?

    Credit: Wes Shepherd-PHLSportsNation

    Reactions within the fanbase have been mixed. For one, Baribo became a fan favorite in 2025. On the other hand, fans have learned not to get attached to Union players. In recent years, favorites such as Julian Carranza, Daniel Gazdag, and Jack McGlynn have all been sent away for profit.

    However, the Union front office, for better or for worse, has made the right call on these transfers. For the 3 players mentioned, the Union acquired them cheaply, became a title-contending team, and sold them for profit. Simultaneously, profit is not the only factor in play. Carranza, Gazdag, and McGlynn have struggled to find their stride in their new homes.

    Also, the Union mantra is to prioritize fit over starpower. Tai Baribo is a great player. However, there were clear signs that the Union’s roster structure and playing style did not suit Baribo’s style. Hence, the Union generates a great profit in selling Baribo, and brings in a replacement in Ezekial Alladoh, who better fits the system.

    Fans should be upset that a fan favorite is heading out, especially heading to a division rival. However, it is a move that the Union has made before and will make again.

    The news in itself is shocking; everyone should know by now that this move is exactly what the Union has done and will continue to do.

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  • The First Union Domino is About to Fall – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    The First Union Domino is About to Fall – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Things don’t seem to be getting easier after a lackluster start to the season for the Philadelphia Union. The first domino toward a season-altering move is soon to fall. That of course being the inevitable departure of Julian Carranza.

    The Union acquired Julian Carranza from Inter Miami on loan before the start of the 2022 season. Carranza never got a chance to shine with Miami. Consequently, as Miami prepared to land Lionel Messi, the Union got Carranza for fairly cheap.

    However, as fans would come to find out very quickly, the Union had a star on their hands. Union fans have been lucky to be able to see Caranza for as long as he has stayed. Unfortunately, Carranza’s time with the Union appears to be just about over.

    Europe is Where Carranza Belongs

    Carranza has had his eyes on the big leagues for years now. He was expected to go during this past offseason. However, he did not have interest in the teams that came calling.

    Now, Carranza is expected to be sold to Feyenoord of the Eredivisie league. While it isn’t a top UEFA Champions League club, it is a door opener to the bigger leagues of Europe. Simultaneously, it is a league where Carranza can get minutes and show off the skills Union fans got to see for the last 2 years.

    It may not seem like it, but Carranza is only 24 years old. Now is the best time for him to make the move over to the bigger leagues and make a name for himself.

    How Much Will the Union Get?

    Now, with Carranza’s contract with the Union being in its final year, the Union will likely not get an astronomical amount of money for him. The Union either sells him in the summer or he walks for free at the end of the season.

    Simultaneously, Miami still has a sell-on for Carranza’s transfer. So, a percentage of the money the Union gets from Carranza will need to go back to Miami.

    The Union should still get a few million dollars for Carranza. It’s just not the record-breaking money they could have gotten from Carranza if he was locked into a multi-year deal. It will still be enough money to fund his replacement hopefully. Though as all fans have seen, it is rare for the Union to spend big.

    This Could Be the First Domino

    It is no secret the Union are just not the team they were last year and during the 2022 MLS Cup run. The top talent has regressed and the other teams in MLS have gotten way better. The Union currently sits 8th in the Eastern Conference.

    If ownership were going to commit to rebuilding the roster, transferring one of the best players would likely be the best time to pull the trigger. The Union do not need to sell everyone. However, the club needs to take a long look at the defensive backline and forwards as the team struggles to gain traction in the standings.

    Carranza’s transfer could be a turning point for the Union, for better or for worse. They could use the influx of cash to invest in a proven star. Or do the usual Union thing. Pocket the money and tread water with a lackluster offensive attack.

    No matter what, all eyes are on the Union’s move this summer. If Julian Carranza’s time with the Union is almost over, the Union will need to take a long look in the mirror to find the best way to move forward.

     

    Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation

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  • How Long Can the Union Keep Surviving? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    How Long Can the Union Keep Surviving? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Despite the Philadelphia Union’s new identity, one thing has stayed the same.
    The Union can never be counted out.

    As the last remaining unbeaten team in MLS, how long can the Union keep escaping defeat?

    It is never pretty, but the Union continues to grab results from losing positions. This time, the club went to Atlanta and escaped with an exciting 2-2 draw. If it wasn’t for a questionable offsides call on a Mikael Uhre goal, the Union would have left with all 3 points.

    Now, 7 games into the MLS season, the Union is 3rd in the Eastern Conference. The club also holds a game in hand over 2nd place NYRB. As well as 2 games in handover 1st place Inter Miami. Perhaps the most impressive feat is the Union have been on the road for 5 of their 7 MLS games. Counter in their, albeit rough, time in the CONCACAF Champions League, Union fans can’t have much to complain about.

    The biggest concern currently is the Union’s new up-and-down identity. The Union used to smash and grab a goal for a 1-0 victory. Now, if the Union wants any points, they have to score at least twice a game. Fortunately, the Union offense has clicked more than it has in a long time, with the second most goals in the East. However, clean sheets have been increasingly harder to come by.

    Clear Schedule and Clear Minds

    It was just about a month ago, and the Union’s season had already felt over. A 6-0 embarrassment in Mexico had fans concerned for 2024. However, it seems the result has woken up the Union players. Simultaneously, it also opened up their schedule.

    For the first time in perhaps 3 seasons, the Union has just 1 competition to worry about. That is the MLS campaign. The Union is out of CCC, is not participating in the US Open Cup, and may not take this summer’s Leagues Cup very seriously. This is the first time in a long time the Union can go full focus on MLS for the entire season.

    The clear schedule will hopefully lighten the burden on players’ legs. Especially with a team as shorthanded as the Union. Now, the summer will still be a tough stretch as the Union will lose key players, but the hot start will hopefully soften the burden.

    The Concerns Still Lay Ahead

    Every point the Union can steal will matter this season. This is especially true for the rough stretch of starting the season on the road for 5 of 7 games. The fact of the matter is that the Union needs to keep pace with the Eastern Conference powerhouses while they are still in full force. International competitions will have the Union shorthanded multiple times throughout the summer. Unfortunately, the Union may also stand to lose star forward Julian Carranza in the summer transfer window.

    These facts are why the Union must stay hot as long as they can. This Union roster is as thin as it has ever been. Any injury or departure could throw a wrench into the Union’s title hopes. However, the current Union team is still a top team in MLS and could make another run for the top of the Eastern Conference. The margin for error is razor-thin for this Union team.

    This makes their hot start even more crucial.
    It also makes it even more impressive, given the rough start to 2024.

    Photo: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation

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