Larry Henry Jr
The Philadelphia Union continued to lock up important players for the 2022 MLS season, which is only three months away from kicking off.
Jack Elliott, Kacper Przybylko, and Sergio Santos were among the five players who saw their player options exercised for next season, the club announced Wednesday. Veteran goalkeeper Joe Bendik and young midfielder Cole Turner also saw their options extended for 2022, while centerback Jakob Glesnes signed a new contract in whole on Wednesday.
In total, Jim Curtin’s squad will feature at least 25 players so far for the 2022 campaign.
Elliott was nominated for MLS Defender of the Year in 2021 after continuing his rise as one of the top draft picks in club history. Przybylko led the Union with 12 league goals in 34 appearances, to go along with his five in the Concacaf Champions League competition.
Santos registered six goals and one assist for the club in league play. Bendik started in two matches for the club this season while Turner is a promising homegrown talent.
Three players are set to see their contracts expire this winter with defender Aurelien Collin, forward Ilsinho, and full backAlvas Powell all set to leave the club. Ilsinho has been a fan favorite, but the veteran winger hasn’t been able to feature as much as his earlier days with the club.
Midfielder Anthony Fontana and full back Matt Real have received bona fide offers to remain with the club, but for now will weigh their options. Fontana took a step back in production in 2021 while Real was sparingly used due to the consistent play of Kai Wagner and Olivier Mbiazo at the full back positions.
Matheus Davo’s loan from Brazilian side Corinthians has been concluded as the Union did not extend an offer to retain the forward. Davo only featured in 19 minutes of action this season.
Here’s a closer look at the Union’s full roster moves:
Options Exercised: Kacper Przybylko, Jack Elliott, Joe Bendik, Sergio Santos, Cole Turner.
Options Declined: Matheus Davo (Loan ended)
Expired Contracts: Alvas Powell, Ilsinho, Aurelien Collin
** Club has extended Bona fide offers to Anthony Fontana and Matt Real.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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