One of the best success stories of the Philadelphia Union’s transformation from a mediocre team to a consistent playoff contender was Jack Elliott’s rise. In the fourth round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, when the Union used the draft, Elliott was picked by Philly. His eight seasons in Philly were littered with success and club defensive records, but now he is looking for another team. Elliott took to Instagram Monday morning to confirm that contract negotiations between him and the Union have fallen through.
Elliott won’t return to Philly Union in 2025
When Philadelphia released their 2025 roster decisions almost one month ago, many Union fans saw the name of a veteran favorite on the options declined line; that veteran was Jack Elliott. Philly did not want to pick up his option for the upcoming season but did state that they were going to negotiate with their long-time centerback.
After about three weeks, it seems as though those negotiations have soured. This past weekend a report surfaced from MLS transfer guru Tom Bogert that stated that Elliott was nearing a deal to sign with Chicago Fire. Elliott is a highly touted free agent and is looking for the stability of a new contract. Just minutes ago, Jack Elliott officially signed for the Chicago Fire. Hours before, Elliott took to Instagram to say he was leaving Philly.
“After months of back and forth, and 8 years with the club, I’m disappointed to announce my time in Philadelphia has come to a close. Philadelphia has become home to me, but the time has come where I have to stay true to myself and know my own worth. Looking back on my time with the Philadelphia Union, feel immensely proud. Proud of the steps forward we took, the things we accomplished when no one believed we could. From the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows, I’m proud of how carried myself throughout my time here and each experience has shaped me into the man and player I am today. I have made lifelong friendships here, and I will miss my teammates who were with me through it all. Wore the Philadelphia Union badge with pride, and I never took a second for granted. thank every fan, teammate, coach, and trainer involved in my journey, from a 4th round draft pick to where I am now. It’s time bet on myself, and truly believe this is just the beginning for me. I am incredibly excited and hopeful for what is ahead. It is goodbye for now, I leave a piece of my heart in Philadelphia. Thank you, Union.”
– Jack Elliott via Instagram
The Union is rumored to be in for a new centerback, Ian Glavinovich, from Argentinian club Newell’s Old Boys. This could be the replacement for Elliott now that he is officially on the outs. One thing is clear: the Philadelphia Union is at a turning point.
A turning point for an everchanging club
The Philadelphia Union is looking to create a new team in 2025 and will have a new head coach at the helm for the first time in 11 years. Moving on from Elliott, a player who made 270 appearances for the club, is a choice that shows just how much of a crossroads Philadelphia is at.
The Union is rebuilding, and it’s likely a year or two too late. The team has seen a speedy decline since their loss in the MLS Cup two seasons ago. Philly wanted to run it back two years in a row, failed at doing so, and now is forced to move on from cornerstones of the clubs. In this case, is it a better-late-than-never mindset?
Philly is moving on from fringe players who were unsuccessful but also players who at one point, were staples of the club. Philly parting ways with Leon Flach and Jack Elliott means two more players who helped the team make the MLS Cup in 2022 won’t be around for a rebuild. Both of those players did fall off from their 2022 form, but now the club will need to find a way to replace what they brought on the field.
The Union will likely look to build their roster through Moneyball signings and homegrown call-ups from their successful Union II side. Will a new manager and system be enough with these assets to create a team that can contend in MLS’s tough, quick-changing landscape? We’ll have to wait and see; it just feels like the same old Union right now.
