Daily Links: Union sign young left back from Dynamo 2

Inside the Union’s controversial recruitment of top prospect David Vazquez
David Vazquez moved from Los Angeles to Philadelphia last year to join the Union. The way it happened, and the limits the Union have faced with other major prospects, have annoyed many people.

MLS News

Dean Smith hired as Charlotte FC coach on multi-year contract
Smith earned promotion to the Premier League in 2019 with Aston Villa, and staved off relegation the following season. Villa finished 11th in 2020-21 under Smith’s tutelage.

Columbus announce 2023 end-of-season roster decisions
The Black & Gold exercised the contract options of seven of the team’s players from the 2023 season, while 14 players were already under contract for next year.

D.C. United trading Chris Durkin to St. Louis for two players and cash
United is finalizing a deal to send defensive midfielder Chris Durkin to St. Louis City SC for center back Lucas Bartlett, winger Jared Stroud and $300,000 in general allocation money.

FC Cincinnati re-signs Yuya Kubo through 2025 MLS season
Kubo made 37 appearances across all competitions in 2023 – his most games played since the 2017-18 season with Belgian side KAA Gent (42) – scoring two goals and adding three assists.

Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini announces retirement from soccer
The 39-year-old Chiellini’s decision was announced Tuesday by Los Angeles FC, his club for the past 1.5 seasons following 17 years at Juventus. Chiellini also announced his decision on social media, calling his career “the most beautiful and intense journey of my life.”

CF Montréal acquires Raheem Edwards from LA Galaxy
For the 28-year-old from Toronto, it’s a second stint with Montreal. He split the 2018 season between Montreal and Chicago.

Rest of the World News

Tuesday round-up: Napoli and Copenhagen reach round of 16
Manchester United’s slim chance of a Champions League round of 16 spot ended with a 1-0 defeat by group winners Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday, piling more misery on Erik ten Hag’s beleagured team in an already rocky season.