Philadelphia Union Town Hall

Key Insights and Takeaways

Tonight, August 14th, the Philadelphia Union held a town hall for all fans eager to have their questions addressed by members of ownership, front office staff, and head coach Jim Curtin. The event took place at Union Yards.

Although it was a ticketed event that sold out for its original date, the images and videos I saw didn’t quite make it seem like that was the case. The event was recorded, but I'm not sure when a recording will be made available to those who couldn't attend. I must also disclose that I did not personally reach out to cover the event as press, nor did the Union invite me to attend.

Here are some highlights for those who couldn't attend or follow along on Twitter/X.

Ernst Tanner shared details on the Carranza transfer and a hiccup that happened last year during the summer transfer window with a deal agreed upon with German club Werder Bremen:

Credit: MLS/Philadelphia Union

"You can only keep them for a limited period of time and keep them motivated. For Julián, he refused a transfer to Werder Bremen during the last days of the transfer window last summer. Everything was agreed and exchanged, but he didn't board the plane, which was booked four hours before departure for the medical. He told us, 'No, I don't want to go.'"

An interesting development that seemingly went unreported, despite all the attention the Argentine brought to the club last summer when his stock was at an all-time high. This also could have earned the Union a much better transfer fee.

Ernst Tanner on the winter transfer business:

Credit: Jillian Almoney

"There are players who want to go abroad, and there are players who want to earn more money. We have all these restrictions. I think we may need to do something in attack. We may need to address the defense, and we're probably losing a couple of midfielders as well. We will improve our roster in all areas. I think we can keep the core, and that is most important. The core usually gives you the stability you need over the course of a season."

Another interesting look into what’s to come for the Union this upcoming offseason. For those unaware, the following players are out of contract this season and do not have club options:

* Leon Flach

* Damion Lowe

* Alejandro Bedoya

Richard Leibovitch, the Union's Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor, during the town hall, spoke about comments he has seen and heard regarding spending:

Credit: Jillian Almoney

"There’s this myth that behind closed doors, Jim and Ernst go to Jay and say, 'Hey, we really want these guys. Can you put in an extra $5 million? We’re going to get these two guys or this one guy, and it’s going to be the difference-maker.'

And Jay says, 'No, I don't want to spend the money.' That is a myth, okay? And I want to dispel it right here, right now.

In the six years I’ve been involved in ownership, I have never once heard Jay say no to what these guys want to do. We invested heavily in Ernst and Jim, and we have a great team that we respect greatly.

The only question we ask is, 'What does it take to win?' That’s all we care about.

As an owner—though I’m probably more of a fan than an owner—do I think it would be cool to get Griezmann to come in right now?

I hear the LAFC rumors and all that. Wouldn’t it be great if he came to Philadelphia? Absolutely, that would be wonderful.

But I need this guy (Ernst) to come to us and say, 'Hey, this makes sense. This fits into our system. This is what it’s going to cost, and this is what’s going to help us win MLS Cup.'

If he did that, we’d sign on the dotted line."

A very interesting comment from an owner who can often be seen and met during tailgates at the Sons of Ben lot or at Union Yards. I’ve personally never had the opportunity to meet him, but folks in my orbit who have had the pleasure mention that he is unbelievably open and approachable.

Is the comment true? We will never know. What is true, however, is the fact that if this is the sentiment towards spending, why haven't the Union found players who fit the system but perhaps come with a higher price tag that brings an immediate impact? Not to say or be naive enough to believe that more expensive means better, but there certainly is some sort of correlation. Either way, an interesting bit from the owner.

Curtin all but confirmed the move of José Martínez during tonight's town hall and shared some kind words about Julián Carranza:

"Every instance is going to be different, and I agree that the ultimate goal is winning. That's what makes us happy. Those guys won us a lot of games—they won us a Supporters' Shield, an Eastern Conference final, and got us close to an MLS Cup. It still kills me every day that we didn't get there.

But if you think about where those two guys started, José came from one of the worst neighborhoods in Venezuela. He was a real bargain; I think he cost Ernst $25. A real bargain. When he first showed up, I have to be honest, I thought, 'Who is this kid?' He was so out of his depth and overwhelmed.

If you remember, COVID happened right before he played, and we threw him into that one game against LAFC. Rocky status, with the bloody nose, he comes off the field. We still have all these great memories. So, when guys move on, I don't think you can look at it as the end.

He said himself that he wants to come back here and retire someday.

There's love on both sides. I get that it doesn't help us win tomorrow's game, but as we sit here in the middle of a transfer window where hundreds of players' futures are hanging by a thread—where they're going to be, where they're going to live, whether it'll be life-changing money for their families—I'm not just speaking about José; I'm speaking about hundreds of players right now. I still like to focus on the fact that we did something good with them.

They're part of our family forever.

The highs, the great wins, the tough, heartbreaking losses—they're still one of us. Even Carranza, he was a teenager sent to Miami, and the next week they signed Gonzalo Higuaín. Guess who's not going to play for Miami, guys?

Julián was stuck. He was in a bad spot. In some way, we reached out and saved him. Ernst did a creative deal for a very low fee. We ran with him, and he scored a ton of goals. These ideas, and the two players you brought up, are ones we love and will miss forever.

We'll be friends forever. José is still here for now, and crazy things happen, but look—these guys are still part of our club. I still think the right thing for them in their careers at this time was to move on. And guess what? There will be the next guys."

A very sweet sentiment from Curtin, who, through his delivery, makes it very apparent that he loves the players but understands that they need to do what is best for them, their careers, and their families. Either way, this all but confirms the move of José Martínez to Brazilian giants Corinthians.

Were there more topics discussed? Of course. These, in my opinion, were the meat of the conversation. Please consider watching the recording when it goes live for everyone.

I hope to see you at the stadium on Saturday or when MLS returns, should boycotting the Leagues Cup be your thing.

Cheers!

J.

Video Credit: Jillian Almoney