The Union has officially traded Kacper to Chicago Fire. In return, the Union will receive $1.15 Million in General Allocation Money (GAM.) The trade is a clear indication that the Union is looking to move to upgrade their striker position with a high-money signing. Przybylko now heads to Chicago to lead their line.
$1.15 Million for Przybylko
Now that the Union has finalized the trade of Kacper Przybylko, they know they will have a good bit of money now to upgrade their ranks. It truly was the best move for both the player and the club. Kacper wanted a long-term guaranteed contract; the Union only wanted to give him a contract that consisted of club options. There’s not much stability for the player there.
Chicago offered Kacper a three-year guaranteed contract and offered two huge chunks of GAM that the Union couldn’t pass on. The Union was able to get $575,000 in GAM this year and next year for this trade. It adds to the war chest Jim Curtin talked about this week. Will they use that money now though is the question?
An Ersnt Tanner flip?
Before looking at who the Union could now go out and bring in, it’s important to see what Ernst Tanner has done here. He was able to go out and get a player coming off of a two-year injury, and bring him to Philadelphia for free. That player then went on to play three seasons, playing 83 games (77 of which were starts;) he scored 35 goals and notched 14 assists in that time. Then Tanner was able to flip him for $1.15 million. That is some amazing business.
Tanner now can look for the next player to come in at striker to help get this club over the hump to an MLS Cup. That’s the goal, and it means saying goodbye to Przybylko, who helped the Union get to where they are now.
Goodbye to a controversial striker
The importance of Kacper’s Union tenure cannot be understated. He came to this club when they had virtually no success. His addition helped the Union get their first playoff win in 2019, their first trophy win (the Supporters Shield) in 2020, and their first deep playoff run in 2021. He should be remembered fondly for his hot streaks, even though he had as many cold streaks as hot streaks. Ernst Tanner thanked Kacper for his service and gave a hint on what could come next.
“We want to thank Kacper for his efforts on and off the field with the Philadelphia Union, He has played a major role in some of the Union’s most memorable moments over the last few years and we wish him all the best as we continue to look to strengthen and add depth to our roster in the coming weeks.”
Union Sporting Director Ersnt Tanner
Kacper is second all-time in scoring for Philly with 40 goals, he falls short of club legend Sebastien Le Toux who had 53 across all competitions. Now it’s time for the Union t find that next goal socrer.
Now it’s time to get the next goal scorer
Now that the Union has moved on from Kacper, it needs to find that upgrade. A signing sooner rather than later would really get this team to where they want to be. All things point to winning MLS Cup now, so a striker that can bag 20+ goals a season is a must.
Could that striker be Mikael Uhre? His club Brondby IF is reportedly in talks with an unnamed club, could it be the Union? This player fits the mold of the rumor that Kevin Kinkead’s source spoke of a few weeks ago. Uhre has scored over 20 goals in his past two seasons in the Danish first division, and his valuation is $3.30 million, meeting Kinkead’s sources rumor. Could we see a striker that has played in the European Champions League lead the Union’s line in 2022?
Be sure to come back to Philly Sports Network for more Philadelphia Union and other soccer content!
Follow our Union team on Twitter:
Tim Lovenguth | Justin Friedberg | El Parcero Philly
Zach LoBasso | Steve Beavon | Liam Jenkins
Doop on Union fans!
Mandatory Credit: PHILADELPHIA UNION, ANDREW ZWARYCH
