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Tag: Transfer Market

  • Do the Philadelphia Union Roster Moves Make Sense? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    It seems every day, the Philadelphia Union are shipping another player out. Just over 3 years ago, the Union found themselves in the MLS Cup Final. Now, only 6 players remain from the team that played in that final, and only 2 of them started.

    Coming off a Supporters’ Shield-winning season, why is the Union rebuilding its roster again, and does it all make sense?

    Just About Everyone is Gone

    Looking back at the 2022 MLS Cup, the only two starting 11 players left are Andre Blake and Olivier Mbaizo. Alejandra Bedoya was on the bench in that game due to injury, which is where he now spends most of his time with the Union. The likes of Julian Carranza, Jack McGlynn, Leon Flach, Jose Martinez, and Jack Elliott were gone before the start of the 2025 season.

    Now, Daniel Gazdag, Jacob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, and Mikael Uhre have also been transferred out. On top of these departures, the Union’s 2025 leading goal scorer, Tai Baribo, has been traded away as well.

    Despite the successful retooling of the Union following Jim Curtin’s dismissal in late 2024, it is clear that a full rebuild was still warranted. The answer as to why all these successful and fan-favorite players have been sent away may be simpler than fans think.

    A Complete New Era

    Consequently, the firing of Jim Curtin marked the beginning of a new era for the Philadelphia Union. Bradley Carnell is leading this era. Now, Union fans could not have asked for a better start, with the Union shockingly pulling out a Supporters’ Shield-winning season.

    However, the rebuild was never going to be minimal. Bradley Carnell inherited a roster that was meant for Jim Curtin. There can’t be a new era without the slate being wiped almost completely clean. While Curtin and Carnell don’t have polar opposite coaching styles, it is time for Bradley Carnell to get his hands on his own talent. Besides, if fans look deep into the moves the front office is making, they make a lot more sense than one would think.

    Every player being sent out has been transferred at just the right time. Kai Wagner has been due for a move to Europe for multiple seasons now. Jacob Glesnes has aged, and it was the right time to get a decent amount of money for him. Looking at past moves, Julian Carranza and Daniel Gazdag have struggled in their new homes.

    Long Road Ahead

    Adversely, just because the Union may be sending players out at the right time, that does not mean the club not bringing in new players is acceptable. The Union is yet to bring in an established superstar. At this rate, and with this ownership group, that may never happen. As things stand currently, the Union is yet to even fill the holes left by all the transfers over he last 2 months.

    However, the Union is still on the path of the new Bradley Carnell era. Expectations are as high as ever, considering year 1 brought a trophy to the Union’s thin collection.

     

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  • Is it Hard to Be A Philadelphia Union Fan? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Philadelphia is known as one of the most passionate sports cities in the world. However, the Philadelphia Union always finds itself in a precarious situation. Considering the constant roster rotation, lack of achievements, and lack of ambition from ownership. Consequently, it begs the question of whether it is really that hard to be a fan of the Philadelphia Union.

    Constant Roster Rotation

    A huge part of establishing a strong fanbase is having a strong foundation of players that fans can buy into and support for years. Look around other professional sports teams in Philadelphia, for example. The Flyers have had the likes of Claude Giroux and Bernie Parent. The Sixers had Allen Iverson and Dr. J. The Phillies had Bryce Harper and Chase Utley. Finally, the Eagles have had numerous memorable players come through, including Brandon Graham and Brian Dawkins.

    Now, the Union has certainly had players with strong support, like Alejandro Bedoya and Andre Blake. However, the Union is in a fight against time. Having been established for just about 16 years, the Union has not had the time to develop its foundation. Unfortunately, despite their recent success, the Union’s constant rotation of players has made it hard for fans to grow a strong bond with any player not named Bedoya, Blake, or Le Toux.

    Over the years, players have become fan favorites and have been almost immediately shipped away. Daniel Gazdag, Julian Carranza, and Jose Martinez within the last 2 years. Now, as the Union completed 2025, they are transferring away the likes of Tai Baribo and Jacob Glesnes. It is hard to sustain a fanbase, especially for a casual viewer, when the fanbase does not know who is on the field.

    Now, the Union’s roster moves are not bad business. The club brings in unknown players for cheap and sells them at peak value. However, keeping the fanbase engaged is important. The saying goes, You support the crest on the shirt. However, a big part of being a fan is having players you love and support. Fans cannot buy a jersey with a player’s name because who knows if that player will be here tomorrow.

    Lack of Achievements

    Another difficulty facing Union fans is a lack of achievements. Now, the city of Philadelphia is unfortunately used to this. However, each Philly team has had an era of winning. For example, the Phillies from 2007 to 2011 and the past 8 years of Eagles football. While it was not always sunshine and rainbows, the Phillies and Eagles have world championships to show from these eras.

    For the Union, their golden era came with 0 league championships. Now, the club does have 2 Supporters Shields and a trip to the MLS Cup. However, the seems to fall short when it matters most just about every time. The Union have lost 3 US Open Cup Finals and their 1 MLS Cup final. Being a Union fan would be a bit easier if fans could look back and see a Cup Final trophy in the case.

    Lack of Ambition from Ownership

    If the current Philadelphia Union were playing in an MLS Era before 2018, they would be dominant. However, the league has evolved, and the Union’s club record signing would not even crack MLS’s top 100 in terms of money spent on a single player. Other team fanbases get to see their team bring in $10+ million stars and the likes of Lionel Messi and Chucho Hernandez. Union fans get excited for the unknown player from South America who will become an All-Star and be transferred away for profit.

    In all seriousness, the Union will struggle to build the fanbase outside of the city limits of Chester, Pennsylvania, if ownership does not commit to established stars. 

    Union Fanbase is at the Top of MLS

    Despite all the troubles and heartbreak they go through, the Union fanbase is still amongst the best in MLS. Just like all other Philadelphia sports teams, the Union faithful sell out Subaru Park and show up for the Union. If anything, the difficulty of being a fan of the Union is a testament to how passionate they are.

    All fans can hope for is a great player they can root for for years, ownership to finally open up the checkbook, and, of course, an MLS Cup trophy to go in the cabinet. If you or someone you know is a fan of the Philadelphia Union, give them words of encouragement; it is really not easy sometimes.

     

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  • 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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  • Union Wasting No Time – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Credit: Philadelphia Union

    The Philadelphia Union have entered the offseason after crashing out of the MLS Cup playoffs.

    Despite questions in the front office, the Union has wasted no time building off of a successful 2025 campaign.

    Club Record Signing

    Just over a week after being eliminated by NYCFC, the Union announced their game-changer is on the way. Union has acquired forward Ezekiel Alladoh from the Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna. 

    Alladoh will break the club’s record transfer fee. Now, this is still the Union we are speaking of. The transfer fee of $4.5m would not break the top 100 across the entire league history. However, Alladoh has shown significant promise. At just 20 years old, he drew the attention of multiple teams around the globe. 

    Credit: Philadelphia Union

    At 6’3, Alladoh uses his solid frame to be strong in the box and possesses lethal finishing opportunities. The Union have had a solid attacking mindset for a few seasons, but have lacked a lethal goal scorer. Tai Baribo showed promise throughout the season, but went ice-cold when it mattered the most. 

    However, the Union is not stopping there. Now, rumours are swirling that the club is finalising a deal to land a young center-back to bolster their thinnest position. The Union is not satisfied with their Supporters’ Shield win in  2025.

    Making Moves Despite the Noise

    Ultimately, the Union are not allowing drama, with Sporting Director Ernst Tanner slowing down the 2026 plans. Last month, damning reports surfaced of Tanner using derogatory and offensive conduct throughout his many years as Union’s sporting director. Tanner has since been put on administrative leave. 

    Now, transfers do not just happen overnight. The move for Alladoh was likely agreed to long before Tanner was put out. The move is his bread and butter—a young, unknown player who can very likely be an MLS All-Star. While Tanner was a crucial piece of getting the Union to where it is now, the club will survive without him. It is a great sign that the club is not allowing the awful situation to put them behind schedule.

    However, only time will tell what future moves will look like as the club moves away from Tanner’s grasp. The search for a new sporting director will likely need to start, if it hasn’t already.

    The Union are full steam ahead for 2026.

    Fans should be excited, as Alladoh may be the most exciting prospect the Union has brought in so far.

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  • Jose Martinez is on the Move – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Jose Martinez is on the Move – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    This has been a tumultuous season for the Philadelphia Union. With every high moment, there seems to be an equal low moment. Now, with the team on fire through Leagues Cup, a massive blow is dealt to the team.

    The Union just had their best win of the season. A 4-2 win on the road against their rival Cincinnati. With the win, the Union moves to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. In the midst of a rough 2024 season, it seemed things were finally turning around.

    That is until a massive blow was sent through the roster.

    The heart of the Team Is Leaving

    Just shortly after the Union win, news broke that Union midfielder Jose Martinez is on the move. Martinez will be transferred to The Corinthians. The heart, soul, and the most passionate player in the Union, is heading out.

    Jose Martinez and Philly fans fell in love at first sight. Making his debut in 2020, Martinez showed that his passion and effort made Philly the perfect place for him. Not to mention his best ability, to get under anybody’s skin without fail.

    Martinez became a fan favorite immediately. It is not a coincidence the Union entered its best era with him at the forefront. He was a pivotal piece of a record-setting Union defense and set the tone when the Union needed it most. It is just unfortunate timing that this move comes when the team finally gains some footing.

    It is the Best Move for Business

    This move should not come as a surprise at all. Martinez was at the top of the list of players that would likely be transferred. Last week, the Union finalized a deal to bring in a promising defensive midfielder, Danley Jean Jacques. A move that was likely the last hurdle in getting a deal for Martinez done.

    The financials of the deal are not set yet. However, for a 30-year-old midfielder, if the Union can get more than they spent on Jacques, it is great business.

    Martinez shined not only for the Union but for his national team, Venezuela, as well. Coming off an impressive showing at Copa America, Martinez’s value would not be as high as it is now.

    Martinez was one of Ernst Tanner’s first diamonds in the rough finds. Martinez joined the Union from Zulia FC for just a $295,000 transfer fee. Now, the Union will likely earn at least four times that amount for him.

    Very Rough Timing

    This move was going to hurt no matter what. Jose Martinez is a fan favorite right behind Ale Bedoya and Andre Blake. However, the timing of the move makes things even more unfortunate.

    The Union are in their best stretch of play in 2024. They are tearing through the Leagues Cup. Considering the club currently sits outside the MLS Playoffs, this is likely their last chance at a trophy this season. Now, they will have to figure out how to adjust to life without Martinez.

    Danley Jean Jacques is a very promising player that fans should be excited about. However, the Union has a history of being on the wrong side of slow paperwork to get deals completed. There will likely be a period that the Union will need to hang on without a defensive anchor in the midfield.

    Look for Leon Flach to slide into Martinez’s spot for the time being. While Flach brings a similar defensive intensity, he just doesn’t have the offensive game to truly replace Martinez.

    Jose Martinez became a fan favorite for the Union. While their time together appears to be over, Union fans will be happy to welcome him back in the future. Perhaps even to have his name raised in the Union Ring of Honor.

     

    Featured Image: Wes Shephered/PHLSportsNation

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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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