In 2024 the Philadelphia Union had one of their worst seasons in club history. Now, in 2025, things are off to an even worse start. With the club decisions being made at the highest level, fans are left asking what the Union is doing.
Shocking news broke over the weekend that the Union sent homegrown midfielder Jack McGlynn to Houston. In return, the Union is getting a guaranteed 2.1 million dollars, with the possibility of an additional $1.3 million if McGlynn hits performance metrics. The Union also holds 50% of his future sell.
McGlynn recently made his debut with the USMNT, scoring a highlight reel goal while doing it. McGlynn was set to be a pivotal piece of the 2025 Union squad. A Union team looking for its new identity in the post-Jim Curtin era.
Was it a Bad Move?
This move is receiving a ton of backlash from the Union fanbase. Not only was McGlynn a homegrown player fans have watched grow into a star. He was also an integral piece to the Union’s success on the field. However, the move may not have been the worst decision.
McGlynn has been rumored to make the big move over to Europe at any time now. It is reported that some teams over in Italy were close to a deal for him as well. However, Houston’s deal was the best so the Union went through with it. The issue is not timing because McGlynn’s contract was up at the end of this season anyway. Meaning if the Union weren’t able to move him in the summer, he would walk for free at the end.
Unfortunately, it is not the move that doesn’t make sense. It is the message the front office is sending the fans. In his own words, sporting director Ernst Tanner stated “It will take a $5 million player to replace Jack McGlynn.” To put things into perspective, Atlanta United invested $30 million in their roster this winter. A $5 million transfer would break the record for the most the Union would have spent. So do not be surprised if Tanner doesn’t back up his words.
McGlynn’s style will fit better with Houston and he will still be heading overseas next year. However, the Union front office is continuing to alienate the fanbase at every possible turn. After all the losses last year, the Union will have signed just 2 new incoming players.
Is 2025 A Loss?
It appears the 2025 season will be a turning point for the Union, for better or worse. The team still has a shot to add to the trophy case. Not with winning MLS Cup of course, but the Union is heading back to the US Open Cup. Perhaps the Union will stand a chance against lower-division teams.
However, the tension between ownership and fans is at an all-time high. If things continue to go south, fans will make that stadium empty. Fans have every right to not even want to tune into the 2025 Union season, and why should they? The front office has made it clear that they can hear the voices. Unfortunately, they truly do not care what the fans have to say. The fans, who are the only reason the Philadelphia Union exists, have become an afterthought.
In 2025, the Union will return to Subaru Park. However, it remains to be seen how many fans return with them. After all, ownership wants to invest all the money into sports complexes and suites for the wealthiest of those attending the games. Who cares about upgrades to the roster, to the stadium, or improvements to the fan experience?
At the end of the day, no one has any idea what the Philadelphia Union is doing.
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