Union sign 2022 MLS Defender of the Year, Jakob Glesnes to new contract

Earlier today, the Philadelphia Union announced that they have signed 28-year-old Norwegian defender Jakob Glesnes to a new contract. The new contract will extend Glesnes’ stay in Philadelphia, as it guarantees his contract through 2025, with a team option for 2026.

Union extend Glesnes

Since joining Philadelphia from Strømsgodset in 2020, Glesnes has cemented himself as one of the top defenders in Major League Soccer, even winning the MLS Defender of the Year Award in 2022. He also has scored some massive goals for the Union, including the game-winner in the playoffs against the Red Bulls, and most notably his free-kick goal against LAFC in 2020.

Ernst Tanner praise

When talking about the extension, Sporting Director Ernst Tanner praised Glesnes saying the following:

“Since arriving in MLS, Jakob has been a critical piece of our backline’s strong defensive record and was recognized individually as the 2022 MLS Defender of the Year. Jakob has proven not only his sporting value but also as a leader on and off the field. We’re happy to have reached an agreement to extend his stay in Philadelphia.”
Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner

The praise from Ernst Tanner is well deserved, as Glesnes is in fact one of the top defenders in the league. He helped the Union produce a new MLS record for the fewest goals allowed in a season with 26, and he also helped the club produce a number of 0.76 goals conceded per game, which would go for the second-best defensive season in MLS history.

As the years go on, the $770,000 that the Union paid for Glesnes looks more and more like a bargain. They were able to find themselves a high-quality defender, who has filled the position for the past few years, and will continue to for years to come. This extension shows that the club is committed to the Norwegian, and they should be as he has only shown domination since joining.