The Philadelphia Union have brought back one of their most decorated players, reacquiring three-time MLS All-Star defender Kai Wagner through a transfer from Birmingham City FC on Friday.
To complete the move, Philadelphia also sent $100,000 in General Allocation Money to Sporting Kansas City in exchange for swapping positions in the waiver order — moving up from the No. 22 spot to the No. 1 position, which allowed them to claim Wagner.
Wagner had previously spent seven seasons with Philadelphia from 2019 to 2025 before his seven-month stint with Birmingham City FC, where he recorded three assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.
In a statement, Wagner expressed how much the return means to him personally. “Coming back to Philadelphia feels incredibly meaningful for me and my family. Over the years, this city has become our home, and returning was a decision that came from the heart,” he said. “My time away gave me the opportunity to experience a new challenge, but it also reinforced how much this club, this city, and our supporters mean to me.”
He added: “There’s something special about representing the Union and playing in front of our fans. I believe in what this club stands for, its culture, ambition, and commitment to competing at the highest level. I’m excited to be back, and grateful for the opportunity to help write the next chapter.”
Wagner has earned two MLS Best XI selections during his career and played a key role in Philadelphia’s two Supporters’ Shield championships for best regular-season record, won in 2020 and 2025. He was also a central figure on the 2022 team that fell to Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup Final.
He holds the franchise record with 63 assists and has scored eight goals in 204 regular-season matches. During the 2025 season, he contributed two goals and 11 assists in 32 games while anchoring a defense that allowed just 35 goals — the fewest in MLS that year — and recorded 14 clean sheets.
Philadelphia sporting director Jon Scheer welcomed the return enthusiastically. “We’re thrilled to welcome Kai back to Philadelphia. He’s been an integral part of this club’s success and has consistently established himself as one of the top left backs in Major League Soccer,” Scheer said. “Kai understands what this club represents, what our supporters expect, and the standards we hold ourselves to every day. We’re confident he’ll make an immediate impact this season as we pursue our goals and be an important part of our club’s future.”
The Union currently sit at the bottom of the league with a record of 1-10-4 and just seven points. The team returns from a nearly two-month break due to the World Cup and will host the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday.
