Larry Henry Jr
The Philadelphia Union bolstered its offensive weapons by acquiring a young European midfielder on Tuesday.
Jim Curtin’s side announced the signing of Daniel Gazdag from Hungarian side Budapest Honvéd FC to a two-year contract. Gazdag’s contract also comes with a club option for a third and fourth year in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee, and he will occupy an international roster spot going forward.
“We are excited to welcome Daniel to the Philadelphia Union. He is a versatile player who can play multiple positions in the midfield as well as at striker and has the ability to make an immediate impact,” said Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said. “His aggressive style of play has made him a top finisher in the Hungarian league and a good fit for our system.”
Gazdag joins the Union from Budapest Honved of the Hungarian First Division, and is coming off a 13-goal, six assist campaign this year. The 25-year-old came up through the Honved youth system, playing for their youth team starting in 2010 and advancing through their system playing for the Under-17 and Under-19 teams, before turning pro with the senior team in 2015.
In total, Gazdag played in 212 matches for Honved, scoring 31 goals and registering 32 assists. Not only can he play in the heart of midfield, but he can also play on the wing and as a center forward if needed. His arrival is a boost to the Union’s No. 10 options, previously occupied by Brenden Aaronson last season and by Jamiro Monteiro and Anthony Fontana this season.
Gazdag has scored one goal in six appearances for the Hungarian National Team and previously had 17 caps at youth levels before his making his senior debut.
The Union are back in action on Wednesday at Subaru Park against the New England Revolution.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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