The youth movement continues in Chester! Today the Philadelphia Union have announced the signing of 17 year old Union II and USMYNT Center Back Neil Pierre to a Homegrown contract through the 2028 season, with an option to extend for 2029.
Neil Pierre, a 6 foot 5 inch teenager from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, became the 3rd academy player to sign an MLS NEXT Pro contract back In July of 2023, and made his Union II debut against Columbus Crew 2 just a few days later.
Through his strong stature, physical defensive style, and the ability to play with the ball at his feet and ping crosses on a dime to his teammates, Pierre helped lead Union II to becoming Eastern Conference Champions and earning an appearance in MLS NEXT Pro Cup for the first time in club history.
Appearing in 22 games and starting in 20, Pierre’s contributions helped Union II establish themselves as one of the best defensive teams in MLS Next Pro, conceding the fifth-fewest goals of any team in the league. Pierre’s development and success doesn’t stop in Philadelphia, with the teenager representing the USMYNT at the U15, U16, U18, and U19 International levels.
“Following a standout season with Union II, we are happy to be able to reward Neil with a first team contract. His combination of size, speed, and defensive strength makes him a great asset to our backline. As a young, dynamic center back with immense potential, we look forward to continuing and supporting his development.” – Ernst Tanner
Pierre’s role with the Union in 2025
As it stands, Neil Pierre looks set to receive a decent chunk of minutes at Center Back under Bradley Carnell in 2025. After moving on from both Jack Elliott and Damion Lowe in the last calendar year, Union’s Center Back depth looks a bit bare – or at least unproven. Jakob Glesnes is back in 2025, and will likely be partnered by newly acquired Ian Glavinovich at the CB position, but after that…it’s slim pickings. Other than 17 year old Neil Pierre, Olewethu Makhanya is the only other natural Center Back on the roster, who has yet to make his first team debut.
Pierre has already been getting some looks from Carnell in pre-season games, and while there are sure to be speed bumps and learning moments along the way, the teenager has already shown positive signs of being able to step in and contribute on an MLS roster sooner than later.
I have no idea how long Pierre will stay in Philadelphia, but I feel confident he won’t make it to the end of his contract before getting a move abroad. Already going on trial with European clubs like Borussia Monchengladbach and Real Sociedad, interest in Pierre from abroad is only going to grow if he can manage to keep developing under Bradley Carnell with the first team in 2025.
Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images
