DOOPing Overseas: Wagner records debut assist for Birmingham City, Aaronson scores against Manchester United

2026 started with a bang for Union players playing overseas. Kai Wagner, who moved just days ago, had a debut to remember in the Championship. At the same time, his former teammate, Brenden Aaronson, scored a goal for Leeds United that may well have got Manchester United’s manager sacked. Julian Carranza transferred to Liga MX, while Auston Trusty experienced a derby-day defeat. 

With sustained success this decade, fans have seen some of the brightest academy talents, their favorite players, and outcasts make their way overseas to compete in some of the best leagues in the world. The club is represented in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and more.

Let’s see how some of those former Union players fared in last week’s matches:

Kai Wagner – The former Union left back made quite the impression on his debut for EFL Championship side Birmingham City. The fan favorite departed the Union on Friday, Jan 2, after seven successful seasons in Philadelphia. After only one training session with his new club, Wagner was inserted into the starting XI for Birmingham City’s 3-2 home win over league leaders Coventry City on Sunday. Six minutes into his debut, Wagner would make the first impression he was hoping for. After latching onto a long ball down the left wing, the 28-year-old lofted a one-time volleyed cross into the box, which was beautifully dispatched on the volley by Marvin Ducksch. The German connection gave Wagner his first assist with his new team mere minutes into his debut. Wagner also received a yellow card and was substituted in the 71st minute. 

Brenden Aaronson (Medford, N.J.) – The former Union midfielder scored and played 87 minutes in Leeds United’s 1-1 home draw with Manchester United on Sunday. The 25-year-old’s 62nd-minute strike was a prototypical Aaronson goal, creating something out of nothing. With Manchester United controlling possession in their own half, Leeds defender Pascal Struijk intercepted a passing sequence at midfield, sending a mix between a hopeful ball and a long clearance forward in the direction of Aaronson. Seemingly unaware of Aaronson’s positioning and speed, the Manchester United center backs switched off momentarily, allowing Aaronson to win the race to the ball and create a golden opportunity. The American split both defenders at the top of the box and fired home a left-footed shot from inside the area to the bottom corner of the far post. Aaronson loves scoring against big teams, with two of his three Premier League goals coming against Manchester United and Chelsea. Manchester United would equalize just three minutes later, but nothing could separate the sides. The draw helped Leeds move eight points clear of the relegation zone, while Manchester United sacked manager Ruben Amorim less than 24 hours after the match. 

Julian Carranza – The former Union striker will play for his third team since leaving the Union in the summer of 2024. Carranza signed a four-year contract with Liga MX side Club Necaxa, who brought the 25-year-old in for over $3.5 million. Located in Aguascalientes City, Necaxa is part-owned by Philadelphia native and actor Rob McElhenney, who is also co-owner of AFC Wrexham. Carranza spent the first half of the season on loan at Leicester City after one season at Dutch club Feyenoord. Carranza’s loan spell in the Championship was disappointing, playing just 315 minutes and registering seven shots across nine appearances. He spent his last 10 matches with Leicester City as an unused substitute. Feyenoord recalled Carranza from his loan on Jan. 2. In 30 games with Feyenoord, the Argentine scored five goals and recorded one assist. 

Other Notables

– Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.) played all 90 minutes in Toulouse’s 3-0 home loss to Lens on Friday. 

– Auston Trusty played all 90 minutes in Celtic’s 3-1 Old Firm Derby home loss to Rangers on Saturday.

– Stuart Findlay made eight clearances and four recoveries in Hearts’ 1-0 home win over Livingston on Saturday. 

What’s Next 

– Brenden Aaronson and Leeds travel to Newcastle on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 3:15 p.m. ET. They then visit Derby in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 7 a.m. ET.

– Mark McKenzie and Toulouse travel to Angers in the Coupe de France Round of 32 on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 9:30 a.m. ET.

– Auston Trusty and Celtic host Dundee United in their first game since sacking manager Wilfried Nancy, on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m. ET.

– Kai Wagner and Birmingham City visit Cambridge United in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 12:45 p.m. ET.

– Jamiro Monteiro and PEC Zwolle travel to FC Twente on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 12:45 p.m. ET. 

– Julian Carranza will look to make his debut for Necaxa when they visit Santos on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m. ET.

– Stuart Findlay and Hearts visit Dundee FC on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 9 a.m. ET.

– Jose Martinez and Corinthians host Ponte Preta in the first round of the Paulista A1 on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. ET.