What Are the Philadelphia Union Doing?
In 2024, the Philadelphia Union had one of the worst seasons in club history. Now, in 2025, things are off to an even worse start.
Because club decisions are made at the highest level, fans wonder 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. He was set to be a pivotal member of the 2025 Union squad, a 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, but fans have watched them 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.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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. This means that if the Union couldn’t 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 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’s, and he will still head overseas next year. However, the Union front office alienates the fanbase at every possible turn. After all last year’s losses, 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 the 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 not even to 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 genuinely do not care what the fans have to say. The fans, 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 will return with them.
After all, ownership wants to invest all the money into sports complexes and suites for the wealthiest who attend 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.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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Categorized:Union