Brotherly Game Archive
Official: Union sign USMNT regular Alejandro Bedoya
FC Nantes have announced that the American will return home to join the Philadelphia Union.
In an incredibly dramatic and unintentionally hilarious tweet, FC Nantes have announced that USMNT midfielder Alejandro Bedoya will join the Philadelphia Union. This transfer has moved quickly, as the Union’s renewed interest in the player was first reported less than 36 hours ago.
[OFFICIEL] Alejandro Bedoya quitte le #FCNantes @AleBedoya17@PhilaUnion #GoodLuckBedo https://t.co/yxXz3XQsUo pic.twitter.com/5UMm3N6Sls
— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) August 3, 2016
Though the deal is essentially done, it is not yet officially official. Multiple reports state that some paperwork needs sorting before the Union or MLS announce the transfer. Expect commentary from Jim Curtin on the situation at his mid-week presser later today.
Bedoya is basically just caught up in MLS paperwork/dumb rules right now
— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) August 3, 2016
Nantes jumped the gun. Not everything is done on MLS’ end of things. But yes, it’s happening.
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) August 3, 2016
Since Bedoya is a USMNT regular, he had to enter MLS via the Allocation Process. The Chicago Fire held the top position in the Allocation Order as of yesterday, but Jeff Carlisle of ESPN is reporting that the Union have traded for that spot.
Chicago is getting GAM,TAM, 1st round pick, discovery rights on a player, & Philly’s spot in allocation order in exch 4 Bedoya. #cf97 #DOOP.
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) August 3, 2016
Like most MLS trades, this one can't be properly evaluated without knowing the General and Targeted Allocation Money totals. Still, it looks like Chicago did a hell of a job in receiving assets in order to essentially remain in the same spot (the Fire received the Union's own allocation priority, which is now first).
When the Union nearly signed Bedoya last year, the team reportedly offered him $1.2m per year. Carlisle is reporting that both sides have agreed on a slightly smaller figure this time around.
Deal is done. League source tells me final transfer fee on Bedoya is $1M, & final salary # is $1M/year. #DOOP
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) August 3, 2016
Both the transfer fee and salary total are Union records, as Bedoya will become the fifth Designated Player in team history.
Bedoya started his professional career in Sweden when he played in 65 games for Orebro SK from 2009-2011. Rangers took on the attacking midfielder after he failed a trial with England's Birmingham CIty and his one season with the Scottish giants saw the American score one goal in 12 games. After the ‘Gers were hit with administration penalties, Bedoya went back to Sweden, playing for reigning champions Helsingborgs IF. Ale played 26 matches for Di Roe, including both the home and away fixtures against Celtic FC in the UEFA Champions League.
Bedoya has recently made a pretty good name for himself with FC Nantes in the French Ligue 1. 77 appearances for Les Canaris have drawn praise from his former manager in Nantes as well as a seemingly permanent spot in Jurgen Klinsmann's USMNT. His 53 caps for country put him firmly in the driver's seat for the Union player with the most experience for the USMNT, which is cheating a little bit, but we'll take it.
Update: The Union have confirmed the transfer. Embedded below is Jim Curtin's mid-week presser, which, as you might guess, was pretty Bedoya-centric.
How does Bedoya line up for the Union? Do you like the move? Let us know in the comments!