Philadelphia Union Sign Defender Jakob Glesnes to New Contract

March 21, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Philadelphia Union News Release

CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has reached an agreement on a new contract with 2022 MLS Defender of the Year, Jakob Glesnes. Under the new contract, the 28-year-old Norwegian centerback is guaranteed through 2025 with an option for 2026.

“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,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “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.”

In 2022, Glesnes was named the 2022 MLS Defender of the Year, becoming the only player in club history to receive the honor. He also earned his first MLS All-Star Game appearance and his first MLS Best XI selection after helping the Union defense produce the second-best defensive season in MLS history at 0.76 goals conceded per game. With 26 goals conceded last season, Glesnes helped the team set a new MLS record for the fewest goals allowed in a single season. Starting all 34 matches last year, the 28-year-old led the team in interceptions (57), the fifth most in the league. Additionally, Glesnes has started 76 consecutive matches for the Union since October 19, 2020, which is the longest active streak in the league, making him the fifth non-goalkeeper in MLS history to do so.

Glesnes came to the Union from the first-tier Norwegian league, Elisteserien, where he played for Stromsgodset Toppfotball. Prior to signing with Stromsgodset Toppfotball in 2016, he played for the first division club Asane in 2015, before joining first-tier club Sarpsborg 08.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender Jakob Glesnes to a new contract through 2025 with an option year for 2026 on March 21, 2023.

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