Philadelphia Union lock up Jakob Glesnes with a new contract

The Philadelphia Union announced today that they’ve signed Jakob Glesnes to a new contract, keeping the three-time MLS All-Star center back in Chester through 2027, with a club option for 2028.

This was a no-brainer. Since arriving in Philly back in 2020, Jakob Glesnes has been one of the most reliable defenders in MLS. He’s been named an All-Star in 2022, 2023, and 2025, and even brought home MLS Defender of the Year in 2022 — still the only player in Union history to do so.

Jakob Glesnes is here to stay

Jakob Glesnes is here to stay! ⚡️

Philadelphia Union has reached an agreement on a new contract with three-time MLS All-Star defender, Jakob Glesnes.

📝 https://t.co/xrMDoI8KBL#DOOP pic.twitter.com/jC9zTaTW9m

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) August 19, 2025

So far in 2025, Jakob Glesnes has made 24 appearances (23 starts), logging nearly 2,000 minutes while helping the Union post the best defensive record in the league — only 25 goals allowed. He’s also chipped in with two assists and a goal, that one coming against D.C. United. Earlier this summer, he hit his 200th career start for the Union in all competitions.

At 31, Glesnes is still a rock at the back, and his leadership has been just as important as his play. Ernst Tanner called him “an essential piece of our backline” in today’s announcement, and he’s right. The Union aren’t the Union without him holding it all together.

The deal also adds some much-needed stability as the club pushes forward in 2025. For all the changes that happen year to year, Union fans can at least rest easy knowing Glesnes isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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