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After taking care of the midfield last week it looks like Ernst Tanner is finalizing the front line this week with talks of a record-breaking transfer nearing the finish line. Though it’s a drop in the bucket to what other clubs have been spending in the transfer market, Nacional forward Bruno Damiani comes with a $3.4 million price tag and would come in as the biggest ever incoming transfer to the club. If the deal is finalized this week he will join Eddy Davis III, whose homegrown deal was announced Tuesday, in filling out the team’s roster. A move for an international spot would be needed before the season opener on Feb. 22, however.

In the email today:

1. 💰 A Record-Breaking Transfer Nears Completion

Union fans woke Tuesday to news that the forward Sporting Director Ernst Tanner promised could be making his way to Chester very soon from Uruguay in a deal that would set a new Philadelphia Union record.

The player is Bruno Damiani, a 22-year-old left-footed Uruguayan who interestingly enough played with Union II forward Jose Riasco when both were on loan to Boston River last season. Damiani made a much bigger mark on the team with 13 goals in 34 appearances and is now set for a transfer from Nacional that is reportedly in the $3.4 million range.

Mikael Uhre is the current Union record holder for biggest incoming transfer at around $2.6 million. Recent midfield addition Jovan Lukic came in at 10th overall with his $621,000 acquisition announced last week.

Damiani would give the Union three players vying for two starting spots up top with Damiani, Tai Baribo and Uhre. Chris Donovan, Markus Anderson, Nelson Pierre and recent homegrown signing Eddy Davis are also in the depth chart.

While he’s not a big name striker and the money isn’t quite the cash other MLS teams have splashed on the international market, Damiani is exactly what fans should’ve been expecting all along.

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2. ⚡️Eddy Davis III Signed to First Team Contract

Eddy Davis III has been rewarded with a first team deal following his record-breaking 2024 season with Philadelphia Union II. The team announced the signing Tuesday of the Los Angeles native, who set a new Union II scoring mark last season.

The 18-year-old’s contract is guaranteed through 2027 with an option for 2028 and 2029.

“Eddy took a big step in his growth and development last year, proving himself to be a relentless striker,” Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said in a news release. “His ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset. He has the mentality and passion we look for in young players and is a prime example of the strong talent we continue to foster in our system.”

Davis, 18, played in 27 regular season games with Union II last season, scoring 13 goals and registering four assists in 1,773 minutes. His 13 goals led the club, ranked fourth in the league, and set a single season record for most goals by a Union II player, surpassing Faris Moumbagna’s 11 during the 2019 season when the team was known as Bethlehem Steel and played in the USL Championship.

3. 🤔 Tweet of the Day: Compelling

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Transfer News

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• The Union Academy trio of Jamir Johnson, Kellan LeBlanc and Jordan Griffin opened U-17 World Cup qualifying with a ridiculous 22-0 win over the U.S. Virgin Islands. Johnson and LeBlanc scored the 21st and 22nd goals.

• The Union’s game against FC Cincinnati started well enough but the wheels fell off once Bradley Carnell went to his bench in the 120-minute preseason match.

• Philadelphia native Brandan Craig has signed on with CF Montreal after impressing technical staff in preseason camp.

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