Union's 2027 Crossroads
The Major League Soccer calendar is set to shift from its traditional spring‑summer‑fall rhythm to a fall‑winter‑spring model beginning next year, a change that ripples through every club’s planning cycle.
For the Philadelphia Union, that transition coincides with a wave of contract uncertainties that have left several cornerstone players in a state of limbo.
Key Players in Limbo
Olwethu Makhanya, the South‑African midfielder, remains locked in a dispute over a prospective European move, with his current deal’s valuation still unresolved, while Sal Olivas has been sidelined after a suspension and his exclusion from a recent team video.
Loaned Talent Making an Impact
Markus Anderson, who spent the season on loan at Brooklyn FC, has cemented his role as a starter in the USL’s Eastern Conference, tallying five goals and drawing praise for his consistency.
C.J. Olney, also plying his trade with Brooklyn FC, earned mid‑season recognition as the league’s young player of the year, underscoring his rapid development.
Contract Endings and Future Paths
Veteran forward Alejandro Bedoya will see his contract expire on December 31, 2026, and the club appears poised to honor him with a farewell appearance rather than a fresh extension.
Defensive Midfield Options
In the defensive midfield, Danley Jean Jacques and Jovan Lukic are both slated to exercise their options, while Jesus Bueno and Jeremy Rafanello are similarly positioned to retain their contracts.
Goalkeeping Outlook
Goalkeeper Andre Blake holds an option for 2027, and the front office is expected to pick it up, ensuring continuity between the posts.
The situation at the third‑string spot is less clear; George Marks’s return is uncertain, with Pierce Holbrook emerging as a potential challenger for minutes.
Finally, Stas Korzeniowski’s option hinges on his recovery from a knee injury and his ability to cover ground defensively, a factor the coaching staff will weigh closely.