It is being reported that 21-Year-old homegrown defender Mark McKenzie is close to being sent to Belgian club, Genk.

In somewhat of a surprise, it looks like the Union will be sending away another homegrown player. Genk’s offer for McKenzie is rumored to be over 5 million.

This is a great deal for the Union, but they will be losing a key piece to their team. Mckenzie is coming off of his best season for the Union, as he finished as a finalist for the MLS Defender of the Year Award. Since debuting for the club in 2018, Mckenzie has a total of 51 appearances. If this deal gets finalized, it will be the second homegrown player the Union will sell this offseason, joining Brendan Aaronson.

Genk, a second-place club in Belgium would give McKenzie the opportunity to play in the Champions and Europa League. This is something he’s always dreamed of. In an interview with Sky Sports, he explained this goal.

“It’s out there — my goal is to play in the Champions League, play against the best players in the world, win trophies, that’s my goal and those are my personal ambitions. Obviously right now I’m still a Union player but I hope in the near future that I find myself in the situation where I can make the jump and put myself forward in those important matches.”

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports