Union splash $1 million in GAM to acquire Indiana Vassilev

Indiana is a state, a town, county and college in Western Pennsylvania and the first name of the newest member of the Philadelphia Union.

The Philadelphia Union announced Friday the acquisition of the 24-year-old mustachioed midfielder from St. Louis City SC in exchange for $1 million in general allocation money. St. Louis will also receive up to an additional $250,000 based on performance and a future sell-on and trade percentage.

“Indiana is an extremely versatile and hardworking player who embodies the qualities we are looking for to enhance our roster,” Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said in a news release. “At just 24, he brings experience from the Premier League, Major League Soccer, U.S Youth National Teams and, most recently, his first USMNT call up. His technical abilities, dedication, and potential for growth make him a valuable addition to our squad.”

Vassilev is reunited with Union head coach Bradley Carnell, who coached the Bulgarian-American in St. Louis. Vassilev scored five goals and dished nine assists in 63 regular season matches (48 starts) during his two seasons with St. Louis, which acquired him in the expansion draft from Inter Miami, where had five goals and two assists in 45 regular season matches.

Vassilev began his career with Aston Villa of the English Premier League and made six appearances for the club’s top level (2019-20). He played for the team’s U18 and U23 levels and made 54 total appearances across all competitions from 2017-21. He was loaned to Burton Albion (League One) and Cheltenham Town (League Two) during the 2020-21 season, appearing in 24 matches between the two clubs.

He has represented the United States on the U16 (2016), U17 (2016), U18 (2018), U20 (2019) and U23 (2023) levels. He scored five goals in 34 total youth appearances, including appearances during the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup. He also earned his first-ever USMNT call-up in January 2025 and appeared in two international friendly matches.

Along with the announcement of Sal Olivas’ first team contract on Thursday, the team now has 31 players for 31 spots on the senior roster. That doesn’t include recent signing Bruno Damiani who is still awaiting completion of his visa. Damiani will also require an international roster spot, which the Union will need to make a move to either open up or acquire.