New Signing Incoming, Homegrown Heads to Houston, and More Homegrown Deals on the Way
Quick recap of what happened this week (so far) with just 17 days until the season kicks off!
Good morning and hello from my home office. I am accompanied by my youngest son, Benicio, who is home with me this entire week because his childcare fell through. Turns out that needing an appendix removed can happen very quickly—or at least that’s what the woman who watches him told me.
Either way, let’s recap what happened this week and what’s in store for the next few days as the opening of the MLS season nears.
Jovan Lukić is set to join the Union
Sources: The Philadelphia Union are finalizing a deal to sign Serbian midfielder and youth international Jovan Lukić. Lukić, 23, began his professional career with Serbian club Čukarički, where he played from 2020 to 2023.
He then joined LASK in Austria’s top division but was immediately loaned to Torreense in Liga Portugal 2. In 2023, he returned to Serbia on a permanent transfer to Spartak Subotica in the Serbian SuperLiga, the country’s top tier.
This season, he has recorded 1,246 minutes across 16 appearances, including 14 starts. Internationally, Lukić has represented Serbia at various youth levels, most recently featuring for the U-21 squad in a match against Northern Ireland on March 26, 2024.
Great friend, @MarkKelkenberg, has put together a highlight reel for your viewing pleasure.
Jack McGlynn is traded to Houston
Jack McGlynn is off to Houston, becoming a U22 signing (getting PAID). An interesting bit from Philadelphia’s release by Ernst Tanner:
“At this time, we believe this move is best for both the club and for Jack, allowing us to use the significant proceeds to reinvest and refine our roster, while placing him in an environment suited to his style of play and continued development.”
Houston, on the other hand:
“We expect him to thrive in our possession-oriented style of play, as Jack’s strengths match the attributes that we value in our central midfielders.”
It did not take long for Jack to make an impact with his new club in preseason, as he provided an assist in his very first appearance.
This move was, in a way, telegraphed due to his change of agency, as he departed Roc Nation for Supra Soccer, the agency that fellow U.S. Men’s National Team teammate Diego Luna is with.
Any way you slice it, Jack will be missed by both the press and fans. He was genuine, funny, and, above all, truly cared about the club.
Neil Pierre OFFICIALLY signs his Homegrown contract
On Thanksgiving Eve, I broke the news of Neil Pierre signing his Homegrown deal. Just this week, the club officially announced it due to the registration ban they received from FIFA.
Here’s what I wrote:
“Sources: The Philadelphia Union have signed Academy product and Union II player Neil Pierre, 17, to a Homegrown contract. His Union II deal will convert to a Homegrown contract in January. Pierre has impressed at various U.S. national team levels and has also been invited to international camps by Haiti. This year in MLS NEXT Pro, Pierre has logged over 2,300 minutes. Congratulations to Neil.”
In the official press release, Ernst Tanner made it quite clear that Neil will develop quickly:
“Following a standout season with Union II, we are happy to be able to reward Neil with a first-team contract. His combination of size, speed, and defensive strength makes him a great asset to our backline. As a young, dynamic center back with immense potential, we look forward to continuing and supporting his development.”
In my opinion—something I don’t jam into my writing too often—Neil will not make it past the 2026 season with Philadelphia. He is just too good and will likely be sold for a high enough fee that both his ambitions and Philadelphia’s financial interests align for a transfer. For now, Philadelphia fans, enjoy him—he is an unreal talent.
Funny bit from his announcement: when they staged the signing, Neil signed a blank piece of paper. I trust this will probably show up in Frankie Westfield’s (another Homegrown deal I broke news on in January) and Eddy Davis’ announcements as well.
Remaining Preseason Games: FC Cincinnati (II?) and CF Montréal
FC Cincinnati 2 has announced that their preseason match on February 7 will be against the Philadelphia Union first team. Their release further clarifies that this will be “a split-squad scrimmage” against Philadelphia, meaning senior and MLS NEXT Pro Cincinnati players will all have a chance to compete. I’m intrigued to see how this plays out, especially given the fireworks between the two senior squads last year.
Philadelphia has also added another match to its preseason slate. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, they will face CF Montréal. This could be an opportunity for current Montréal camp invitee and Philadelphia Union homegrown, Brandan Craig, to compete against his boyhood club.
Young Academy Talent to Represent Philadelphia at the CONCACAF U-17 Qualifiers
Congratulations to Jamir Johnson, Kellan LeBlanc, and Jordan Griffin on their selection to represent the United States in the upcoming CONCACAF U-17 World Cup qualification tournament.
The 2025 edition will be hosted across six nations: Panama City (Panama), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Alajuela (Costa Rica), Toluca (Mexico), Devonshire Parish (Bermuda), and San Pedro Sula (Honduras).
The U.S. squad is in Group F and will face:
• U.S. Virgin Islands on February 10
• Saint Kitts and Nevis on February 12
• Cuba on February 15
All matches for the U.S. team will take place in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The winners of each group will qualify for the U-17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for November 5–27, 2025.
Best of luck to the Philadelphia Union representatives.
Bonus:
Sam Adeniran, Thomas Letsch, and Bradley Carnell—what a small world football is
Thomas Letsch, once a frontrunner for the Philadelphia Union job, and Red Bull Salzburg just lost to LASK in the ÖFB Cup—thanks to an extra-time goal from none other than Sam Adeniran. Adeniran, a six-month rental for Philly last year, previously played in St. Louis under now-Union coach Bradley Carnell. You can’t make this up.
Leon Flach makes his first official appearance in Poland
Former Philadelphia Union midfielder Leon Flach made his first official start for Jagiellonia Białystok in Poland. Flach, 23, made 145 appearances for the Union, logging 10,737 minutes with three goals and three assists before departing as a free agent this offseason.
It was a great debut for Leon Flach:
“I enjoyed every minute. Great atmosphere, great fans, great win.”
Congratulations to him and Jagiellonia Białystok on their 5-0 victory over Radomiak Radom.
Video Credits: Houston Dynamo, Jagiellonia Białystok, KelkenSport, and Supra Soccer
Great report Jose. Nice to see former Union players (who I really enjoyed watching here) are thriving and contributing at their new clubs.