Following Americans in Europe is a tireless pastime for USMNT fans so when a name comes up like it did yesterday that isn’t really known in those circles you know Ernst Tanner and company have possibly uncovered another hidden gem. Only time will tell if 20-year-old Brooklyn-born attacker Markus Anderson becomes an international recruitment win but for now he’s the latest Philadelphia Union signing.

In the email today:

1. 🐍 Union Sign American-Born Attacker Markus Anderson

The Philadelphia Union have acquired 20-year-old attacker Markus Anderson from CF Rayo Majadahonda in Spain, the team announced on Monday morning.

The Brooklyn, N.Y.-born forward has been signed to a three-year contract with club options for 2027 and 2028.

“After initially playing in the fifth division in Spain, he was able to quickly progress to the third division where he has been performing well at a very young age,” Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner stated in a news release. “He is another great example of how adept our scouting department is at identifying talent and we look forward to integrating him as quickly as possible with the team.”

Anderson comes to Philadelphia from the Primera Federación, Spain’s third-tier league, where he played for CF Rayo Majadahonda. In 2023, Anderson made 18 appearances (14 starts) and scored three goals, marking his debut on April 9, 2023, against Algeciras CF.

Before making his mark in Spain, Anderson started his youth career at Manhattan Kickers FC. Prior to joining CF Rayo Majadahonda, Anderson played for their U19 team before joining Club Deportivo Básico Paracuellos Antamira in the Tercera Federación, Spain’s fifth division, where he scored 10 goals and registered four assists in 29 appearances (20 starts).

2. 👨🏽‍✈️ Bedoya Reportedly Back on One-Year Deal

Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya is reportedly coming back for another go around.

According to a report from José Roberto Nuñez, Bedoya and the Philadelphia Union have reached an agreement on a one-year deal for the veteran who has made 247 appearances in all competitions in his eight seasons in Chester.

Bedoya’s contract expired after the 2023 season. The Athletic reported in mid-October that Bedoya was informed that he would not be brought back.

Head coach Jim Curtin, however, has expressed publicly his interest in having his captain return. Bedoya will turn 37 in April.

3. 📰 Tweet of the Day: Great Day to Buy a Newspaper

4. 💧 Water Cooler: New Player Results

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Peter Andrews processes the Union’s underwhelming offseason (so far) following the news of the Anderson signing.

• Even for a D3 powerhouse like Messiah, players turning professional isn’t that common. Jake Kent-Koop is the latest to make the jump, signing with Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

• Union Academy grad Logan Oliver has transferred from Indiana to Pitt where he will be reunited with fellow YSC Academy grad Jackson Gilman.

• F&M midfielder Reagan Pelletier penned an editorial for LancasterOnline on the accessibility (and lack thereof) in youth soccer.

• Philadelphia native and Union and FC Delco alum Femi Awodesu was a surprising snub in the recent MLS SuperDraft but his pro dreams are still very much alive and well. He’s currently trialing with Houston Dynamo.

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