Philadelphia Union Roundup: Jakob Glesnes signs contract extension, Oliver Semmle loaned out to USL, Paxten Aaronson eyeing return to MLS

With Major League Soccer’s Summer transfer window set to shut on Thursday, the Philadelphia Union have made a number of moves this week that could indicate a push for final additions to the squad before entering the last stretch of the 2025 season. One outgoing loan, one contract extension, and a potential move for a former Homegrown should send some cash Philly’s way via a sell-on clause.

Union, USWNT, MLS — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

Jakob Glesnes Extends Union tenure through 2027 with an option for 2028

On Tuesday morning, Philadelphia announced the contract extension for 31-year-old veteran Center Back, Jakob Glesnes, through the 2027 season with an option for 2028. The Norwegian defender arrived in Philadelphia during the 2020 season from Stromsgodset Toppfotball in his home country of Norway, and quickly became a dependable defender for the Blue and Gold.

In his sixth MLS season with Philadelphia, Glesnes has been named to the MLS All-Star team on three separate occasions (2022, 2023, 2025) and was named MLS Defender of the Year during the Union’s run to the MLS Cup Finals in 2022.

So far in 2025, Glesnes has put together another strong season at 31 years old, making 24 appearances (23 starts) and amassing 1996 hard-fought minutes. Jakob played in his 200th game for Philly earlier this Summer against Chicago on June 25th.

During 2025, Glesnes had a Guaranteed Compensation of $1,238,125.00.

Oliver Semmle Loaned to USL Championship

On Monday afternoon, the Philadelphia Union announced the loan of 27-year-old German goalkeeper Oliver Semmle to the USL Championship’s North Carolina FC.

Semmle joined Philadelphia in January 2024 and made his club debut in February against the Chicago Fire after Andre Blake was sidelined due to injury. Oliver registered 18 appearances and 16 starts across all competitions for the Union, putting together a record of just 4W-8D-6L and conceding 32 goals during that span.

Semmle’s last game for Philly was on July 3rd, 2024, when the Union lost 4-3 to the Chicago Fire. Young, homegrown Andrew Rick took over as the club’s second keeper following that loss.

The loan of Semmle to NCFC opens up an international roster slot for the Union before the trade deadline closes.

Homegrown Paxten Aaronson eyeing return to Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids

According to reports from Give Me Sport’s Tom Bogert, the Colorado Rapids are eyeing the signature of former Philadelphia homegrown midfielder Paxten Aaronson.

Patxen Aaronson came through the Philadelphia Union academy ranks before being transferred to the Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt after Philly’s run to the MLS Cup in 2022. However, he featured in just 14 league matches across his first two seasons with the club. Aaronson went out on loan during the 2024 season with Eredivisie side FC Utrecht, scoring nine goals and six assists in 37 games across all competitions.

While the deal isn’t quite done yet, and no transfer fee has been reported, it seems like it has the potential to break the Rapids’ record transfer fee of around $3.5-4 million, for which Philadelphia would receive a sell-on fee, though the percentage of that is also unknown at the moment.