The Philadelphia Union just gained significant roster flexibility with two starters obtaining their green cards this week. It was a move mentioned by sporting director Ernst Tanner earlier this week and gives an already strong side some options to improve further.
A source close to the situation tells FanSided’s ‘MLS Multiplex’ that Kai Wagner and Kasper Kacper Przybylko are the two players who will be receiving their green cards. The players have already received the documents while in Europe and are back in the United States from obtaining the paperwork.
The information about Wagner and Przybylko receiving their green cards was confirmed by a club spokesperson.
Tanner’s comments came during a press conference for Jim Curtin, who signed a much-deserved contract extension midweek. In his remarks, Tanner said that players on the roster were in the process of getting their green cards. He did not specify which Philadelphia Union players were getting the documents.
Under MLS rules, Wagner and Przybylko now do not count as foreigners.
The moves give the Philadelphia Union some needed flexibility to add to their roster. The club continues to be on the hunt for a No. 9 one source says and two open foreign slots means that the team can hit the international transfer market for a goal scorer and perhaps address any other depth need.
Wagner, signed from the lower divisions in Germany, has been a revelation for the Philadelphia Union in what is now his third season in MLS. He has eight appearances and seven starts this year and the 24-year old has developed into one of the best left backs in the league.
Also in his third year with the Philadelphia Union, Przybylko, like Wagner, has truly blossomed in MLS. Across 57 appearances (54 starts), the Polish forward has 26 goals and 12 assists.
This season has been a very solid one for the Philadelphia Union. Not only are they the only remaining MLS team in the CONCACAF Champions League (they are in the tournament’s semifinals), they’ve managed the fixture congestion well with a 4-2-2 record and 14 points, putting them in sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference.
Last year, Curtin led the Philadelphia Union to their best season in franchise history, winning the Supporters Shield for the best record in MLS. This builds on the club’s gains in 2019 where they won their first playoff game, knocking the rival New York Red Bulls out of the postseason.
Coming off the MLS break for the international window, they play at Atlanta United on Sunday afternoon.
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer