It was an offer the Philadelphia Union couldn’t refuse but for the second time this month Union fans had to say goodbye to a key player in their Supporters’ Shield-winning season. Tai Baribo’s sale to D.C. United for $4 million plus a potential $600k more in incentives connected to performance also marked the second season in a row that the Union have sold away their top goal-scorer.

In the email today:

1. 🇮🇱 Tai Baribo Sold to D.C. United

By Evan Konigsberg

Philadelphia Union striker Tai Baribo is officially off to D.C. United in a cash-for-player trade that is netting the Union $4 million with potential for an extra $600,000 in performance incentives.

Baribo’s new contract with D.C. elevates him to Designated Player status, earning a raise from his contract in Philadelphia.

Baribo was acquired by the Union in 2023 in a deal that cost around $1.5 million. After a slow start to his Union career, Baribo caught fire in the 2024 season, finally earning the trust of manager Jim Curtin. The Israeli striker continued his hot streak into the 2025 MLS Season, involving himself in the golden boot race. Baribo was selected to the 2025 MLS All-Star roster, making an appearance off the bench and scoring the winning goal. Baribo was named the MLS All-Star Game MVP for his cameo, the first Union player to ever win the award. Baribo’s 34 Union goals place him 7th all-time in Union history, in between C.J. Sapong and Alejandro Bedoya.

Head Coach Bradley Carnell spoke about the move.

“Tai is a true professional and gave everything he had during his time here… At this time, we believe this move is in the best interest of both the club and player,” Carnell said. “This provides financial opportunities to continue to invest in the team this offseason while providing space for emerging talent on our roster. It also allows Tai to continue the next phase in his career. We wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

The sale of Baribo comes at an interesting time for Philadelphia. In the first season with new manager Carnell, the Union won the MLS Supporters’ Shield but could not get over the hump in the playoffs. Similar to the disappointing 2024 season, the Union have chosen to retool once again, moving on from stalwart center back Jakob Glesnes earlier this week. The decision also comes at a time after Baribo seemed to have figured it out in Philly. Baribo’s 18 MLS goals this year is a number bested by only Dániel Gazdag in a single season in Union history.

For the second consecutive season, the Union have parted ways with the team’s leading goal scorer. The finances of the deal are notable and may indicate the Union’s plan to replace Baribo. First, the Union paid only $1.5 million for Baribo, who proved to be a valuable investment.

The signing of Ghanaian striker Ezekiel Alladoh was announced earlier in the month. The transfer fee was reported at $4.5 million, almost identical in price to the Baribo sale including add-ons. The Union may see the 20-year-old Alladoh as a younger replacement for the 27-year-old Baribo, with a potentially higher ceiling.

The Union’s first match of the 2026 MLS season is on February 21 in D.C., where they will face their former striker to open their season.

Updated 2026 Philadelphia Union Roster

2. 🐍 Two Union Academy Grads Chosen in MLS SuperDraft

Philadelphia Union Academy grads Jackson Gilman and Jack Jasinski were among the players chosen in Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft.

Jackson Gilman went to Toronto FC in the second round with the 36th overall pick and Jasinski was selected by San Jose Earthquakes five picks later. Goalkeeper Mitch Budler surprisingly went undrafted.

The Philadelphia Union's three picks in the draft were all traded to the Colorado Rapids in December 2024. The Rapids selected Clemson forward Wahabu Musah with the first round pick (No. 26), Washington defender Asher Hestad with the second round pick (No. 56) and Xavier defender Jabari De Coteau with the third round pick (No. 86).

Read More about Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft.

3.💧Water Cooler: Glesnes/Baribo

Thoughts on Jakob Glesnes Transfer Results

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I Get It But It Still Makes Me Sad (20) ⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Perfect Timing (1) 🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ It's the Union Way, Why Fight It? (7) 🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ The Team Needs to Get Bigger Not Smaller with Champions Cup in Play Again (12) ⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (0) 40 Votes

via @beehiiv polls

4. 🇻🇪 Social Post of the Day: Gio

4. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Philadelphia Magazine takes a look at inequality in youth sports.

• Jovan Lukic’s first goal in a Union uniform is the team’s Goal of the Year.

• Quinn Sullivan was named the team’s Player of the Year.

• Philadelphia native Femi Awodesu has made a move from Houston Dynamo to Helsingborgs IF, signing a three-year deal with the Swedish club.

• Keep track of local offseason local player movement with the Philadelphia Soccer Now Offseason Transfer Tracker.

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