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.
Featured Image: Tim Holahan
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