Just weeks before the 2025 MLS season begins, the Philadelphia Union finally shows signs of life. Fans finally have something to grasp onto with a record-breaking signing and a new kit release.
Life as a Union fan has not been the greatest. Jim Curtin was fired, multiple key players left, and no stadium amenities were updated. Union fans have been dreading the start of the 2025 MLS season. However, the Union finally has given fans some life.
A Record-Breaking Signing
The Union officially has a new record transfer. The club is bringing in 22-year-old Uruguayan forward Bruno Damiani from Nacional. The fee for Bruno is upwards of $3 million and he is expected to fill a designated player spot on the roster.
This move solidifies the Union attack that lost Julian Carranza last year. It also opens up a big question in the Union lineup. Where does Mikael Uhre fit? Uhre, the Union’s former record-signing, has yet to live up to the hype he brought. While Uhre has not been bad, he has not been game-changing.
Tai Baribo exploded onto the scene in 2024. This likely means his spot in the starting 11 is secure. Uhre may still find himself starting when the season begins. However, should Uhre continue to struggle at times, don’t be surprised to see him move to the bench. This addition solidifies the Union having strong depth at forward and tons of options.
On the contrary, the Union’s record transfer fee being only $3 million is sad. However, looking at the glass half full, it is a step in the right direction.
Another Homegrown to the Roster
During the Bruno signing, the Union also signed another homegrown player. Forward Eddy Davis III was also signed to the Union’s MLS roster. Yet another move that bolsters the Union’s attacking depth.
Davis has spent time down with Union 2 in the MLS Pro Next league. He will join Union 2 teammate Cavan Sullivan on the roster.
While Davis may not fit into the full roster immediately, it does give the Union the depth that they lacked in 2024. Also, the Union returns to the US Open Cup in 2025 and that is a perfect place for a player like Davis to get some minutes.
A New Kit
In more minor news, the Union new away kit has been released finally. The kit features streaks of lightning and pays homage to the fan-favorite “BY-U” kits. Perhaps the most popular jersey in the Union’s history and the kit the Union wore as they fell short in the MLS Cup.
While it was a late release with the new season coming up soon, it does build excitement around the team. One of the positive things about MLS and the Union is they usually knock it out of the park with their kit designs.
So, after a lackluster 2024 and a quiet winter, the Union has started making some headway in 2025. A record-breaking singing, new homegrown, and a kit release seems to have turned the feeling around the Union in the right direction. At least just a little bit.
However, if the team struggles in 2025, things will surely go south again. Nonetheless, Union fans finally have something to hang their hat on. It appears the Union has finally woken up and is showing signs of life.
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