Philadelphia Union ink Ernst Tanner to a new contract
The architect is extending his stay with the Philadelphia Union.
The current Supporters Shield holders, the Philadelphia Union announced on Monday that they have signed sporting director Ernst Tanner to a new contract. The former Bundesliga executive has helped to reshape and revitalize the Union on and off the field.
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In his role overseeing the club’s sporting side, Tanner has seen the Union become a playoff in his two full seasons overseeing the club. Last year, they topped the table to win the first hardware in club history.
“We knew when we hired Ernst we were getting a top-tier sporting director who could take our club to the next level. Thanks to his leadership and buy-in from coaches, players, and the entire staff at the Philadelphia Union, we have experienced continued progress and enjoyed the two best seasons in our history,” Philadelphia Union owner Jay Sugarman said in a statement released by the club.
“Our core values are player development, a pressing, team-first, never-say-die style of play, and a commitment to innovation. Ernst has helped us turn those values into a winning formula that we believe can be a platform for long-term success. Additionally, Ernst helped us show young players that this club offers a pathway to their dreams of being professional soccer players in MLS and in Europe. We have signed eight Homegrown players to the first team under Ernst and were recently named the best academy in the country. With Ernst continuing at the helm of our soccer operations, we look forward to bringing Philly fans the thrilling soccer they have come to love.”
Tanner was hired in October, 2018 leaving the Red Bull organization in Germany to take over the Union. He was with Red Bull for six years overseeing the club’s academy; prior to that role he was with fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim as Chief Executive Officer and their Director of Football.
A great fit for the Philadelphia Union
In hiring Tanner nearly three years ago, the Philadelphia Union landed a bright mind with experience that has turned the club into one of the best in MLS. The Union remain the only MLS side in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Under Tanner, the club has found value on the transfer market in underrated signings such as Kai Wagner and in developing talent from their top academy. This development includes the sale of Brenden Aaronson to Red Bull Salzburg this past offseason.
It was announced as a multi-year contract for Tanner.
Last week, the Philadelphia Union came back, despite playing with 10 men, to draw at the New York Red Bulls.