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Union Announce Return of Defender Mark McKenzie
McKenzie returns after six years in Europe and brings 30 USMNT caps, giving Philadelphia a veteran defender and Designated Player through 2029-30.
- The Philadelphia Union announced Tuesday the signing of 27-year-old defender Mark McKenzie as a Designated Player, acquired from French Ligue 1 side Toulouse for a reported $2.5 million transfer fee.
- After six years in Europe with Genk and Toulouse, McKenzie decided to return home following his experience representing the United States at the 2026 World Cup this summer.
- A former MLS Best XI selection, McKenzie recorded 48 appearances for the Union and helped the club win the 2020 Supporters' Shield while holding 30 caps for the USMNT.
- Union sporting director Jon Scheer called the return a "significant moment," noting McKenzie's leadership will "strengthen our club's foundation" as the team pursues playoff contention.
- Under contract through the 2029-30 season with a club option for 2030-31, McKenzie will likely pair with 18-year-old center back Neil Pierre on the backline next year.
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Union announce return of defender Mark McKenzie
The Philadelphia Union on Wednesday announced the return of Mark McKenzie on a contract through 2030 with an option for 2031
·Pennsylvania, United States
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After two seasons as protagonist in Ligue 1, Mark McKenzie is preparing to return to MLS.
Mark McKenzie headed back to Philadelphia Union - Soccer America
American defender Mark McKenzie will return to the Philadelphia Union in January. He is the first member of the 2026 U.S. World Cup team to firm up plans to return to MLS via transfer from Europe. He signed a contract guaranteed hrough the 2029-30 season, with a Union option for the 2030-31 season. He has spent six years in Europe with Genk and Toulouse.
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
L 25%
C 63%
12%
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