Philadelphia Union sell Tai Baribo to D.C. United for $4 million

Philadelphia Union striker Tai Baribo is officially off to D.C. United in a cash-for-player trade that is netting the Union $4 million with potential for an extra $600,000 in performance incentives.

Baribo’s new contract with D.C. elevates him to Designated Player status, earning a raise from his contract in Philadelphia.

Baribo was acquired by the Union in 2023 in a deal that cost around $1.5 million. After a slow start to his Union career, Baribo caught fire in the 2024 season, finally earning the trust of manager Jim Curtin. The Israeli striker continued his hot streak into the 2025 MLS Season, involving himself in the golden boot race. Baribo was selected to the 2025 MLS All-Star roster, making an appearance off the bench and scoring the winning goal. Baribo was named the MLS All-Star Game MVP for his cameo, the first Union player to ever win the award. Baribo’s 34 Union goals place him 7th all-time in Union history, in between C.J. Sapong and Alejandro Bedoya.

Head Coach Bradley Carnell spoke about the move.

“Tai is a true professional and gave everything he had during his time here… At this time, we believe this move is in the best interest of both the club and player,” Carnell said. “This provides financial opportunities to continue to invest in the team this offseason while providing space for emerging talent on our roster. It also allows Tai to continue the next phase in his career. We wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

The sale of Baribo comes at an interesting time for Philadelphia. In the first season with new manager Carnell, the Union won the MLS Supporters’ Shield but could not get over the hump in the playoffs. Similar to the disappointing 2024 season, the Union have chosen to retool once again, moving on from stalwart center back Jakob Glesnes earlier this week. The decision also comes at a time after Baribo seemed to have figured it out in Philly. Baribo’s 18 MLS goals this year is a number bested by only Dániel Gazdag in a single season in Union history.

For the second consecutive season, the Union have parted ways with the team’s leading goal scorer. The finances of the deal are notable and may indicate the Union’s plan to replace Baribo. First, the Union paid only $1.5 million for Baribo, who proved to be a valuable investment.

The signing of Ghanaian striker Ezekiel Alladoh was announced earlier in the month. The transfer fee was reported at $4.5 million, almost identical in price to the Baribo sale including add-ons. The
Union may see the 20-year-old Alladoh as a younger replacement for the 27-year-old Baribo, with a potentially higher ceiling.

The Union’s first match of the 2026 MLS season is on February 21 in D.C., where they will face their former striker to open their season.

Updated 2026 Philadelphia Union Roster.