Philadelphia Union announce new three-year contract with star left back Kai Wagner

Philadelphia Union star left back Kai Wagner’s return to the club is official.

The 26-year-old inked a three-year contract that keeps him with the club through 2026 with an option for 2027. The Thursday morning announcement ends an ongoing saga between the talented German and a club he seemed destined to be departing when the season ended.

“Kai has proven himself year after year as one of the best left backs in the league, and an integral part of our team success,” Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner stated in a news release. “With his consistent defending and aggressive attacking style of play, he has greatly contributed to the new milestones the team has achieved every year, and we have full confidence his continued dedication and passion for this club will continue help us reach new heights. We’re looking forward to having Kai in Philadelphia for years to come.”

Wagner returns as the club’s second all-time assist leader and was arguably the team’s most consistent defender across the back line in a season where the team fell short of expectations to make it back to the MLS Cup final. Wagner ended the season sitting out two games of a three-game suspension and will miss the league opener at home against Chicago Fire on February 24. The three-game suspension followed an incident he promptly admitted to where he used a racial slur in German in an argument with New England Revolution forward Bobby Wood.

“I’ve been here for almost five years now and continue to grow professionally and personally,” Wagner stated in the news release. “I feel highly valued here and have a great bond with the club. My family and I also feel extremely at home here. Despite other exciting options in Europe, I decided to extend my contract with the Philadelphia Union because in the end my heart also played a part in my decision.”

Wagner has spoken publicly in the past about his desire to return to Europe and transfer rumors have been a mainstay during the last few transfer windows. The most recent reports cited interest from AEK Athens, Red Star Belgrade and Rangers FC.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part of the league in a great club and, as always, will give my very best for the team so that we can celebrate success together,” Wagner stated. “The discussions with the people in charge here were and are characterized by a high level of mutual appreciation. In today’s fast-moving world, my long time spent here has been something special. Now our relationship will continue which makes me very happy. For me, there are definitely more good reasons to stay here than to leave. That is why I said yes again to my club with full conviction.”

Wagner has made 138 appearances (136 starts) since joining the club in 2019. In that time, he registered the second most assists in club history with 39 assists, 12 more than any defender in the league since making his debut. He was named MLS Best XI in 2022 and an All-Star in 2021 and 2022.

Wagner started his professional career at SSV Ulm in 2015, before joining Schalke 04 II in 2016. After spending a season at Schalke, he joined Würzburger Kickers from 2017 to 2019 before signing with the Union.