Alejandro Bedoya is staying in Philadelphia.
Bedoya signed a new one-year contract with the Philadelphia Union on Thursday, the club announced. The 36-year-old was a free agent since the end of last season, but will be returning to Jim Curtin’s squad for a ninth campaign.
In addition to his on-field role, the club captain will take on a new role as player development and front office specialist.
“We are happy to have found a solution that works best for Alejandro and for the Union to bring him back to the club where he can continue to contribute to the team and in the player professional development role,” sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a release.
“His leadership and work ethic are still vital components to our team’s success, and his passion, commitment, and insights after serving in unofficial business and leadership capacities over the years will contribute greatly to his new role.”
Bedoya has totaled 22 goals and 33 assists in 214 regular-season matches, helping the Union win the 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield and reach their first-ever MLS Cup in 2022.
Bedoya will be joined by Jose Martinez, Jack McGlynn, Daniel Gazdag, and Leon Flach in the Union’s midfield corps.
Here is a closer look at all of the recent MLS News:
FC Dallas adds Petar Musa as Designated Player
FC Dallas made a major splash on Thursday with the Designated Player signing of Peter Musa.
Musa, 25, joins the Western Conference side from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, the clubs announced. He signed a four-year contract with FC Dallas, which also includes an option year for 2028.
In a separate transaction, the New England Revolution received $100,000 in General Allocation Money from FC Dallas in exchange for Musa’s Discovery Priority.
“We’ve secured a world-class attacker in the prime of his career in Petar,” FCD technical director André Zanotta said. “His versatility and proven skills against top-level opponents make him a formidable addition to our team. Petar’s signing marks a historic moment for us.”
Musa registered 17 goals and five assists in 66 matches across all competitions for Benfica. Prior to his move to Portugal, Musa also featured for Union Berlin, Slavia Prague, and Boavista during his European career.
Charlotte FC loans Karol Swiderski to Hellas Verona
It’s not often you see an MLS club loan out one of their designated players but Charlotte FC did just that on Thursday.
Forward Karol Swiderski has joined Serie A side Hellas Verona on loan until June 30, both clubs announced. The move comes with an an option to buy and also opens a DP spot on Charlotte FC’s roster.
“This opportunity is in Charlotte FC’s best interest as we reconfigure our roster under a new head coach. Karol has always given his best on the pitch for us, and he was clear with his intention to pursue this opportunity. In this situation, the Club was not going to stand in his way,” said Charlotte FC General Manager Zoran Krneta. “We now have key roster-building mechanisms available to us that we can use to bolster our squad throughout the remainder of this window and during the summer transfer window.”
Swiderski made 61 appearances for Charlotte FC, scoring 22 goals and adding 10 assists.
DC United acquires Christopher McVey from Inter Miami
DC United bolstered their defensive ranks in the form of Swedish-American defender Christopher McVey.
McVey was acquired in a trade with Inter Miami on Thursday, a move which saw a 2024 international roster spot and up to $100,000 in General Allocation Money head in the opposite direction. The 26-year-old is DC United’s fourth defensive acquisition of the offseason.
“Chris is an experienced defender who can play in a variety of positions across the backline,” Ally Mackay, D.C. United general manager and chief soccer officer, said in a release. “We’re excited to welcome him to the team and reinforce our defensive depth ahead of the season.”
McVey spent the last two seasons with Inter Miami, logging 50 appearances, one goal, and two assists.
Sporting KC adds veteran midfielder Memo Rodriguez
Memo Rodriguez is staying in the Western Conference.
Sporting KC signed the free agent midfielder to a one-year deal through the 2024 MLS season, the club announced. Rodriguez, 28, has logged 17 goals and 15 assists in 145 league matches to date.
After coming through the Houston Dynamo ranks as a Homegrown Player, Rodriguez also spent time with Austin FC and the LA Galaxy.
SKC opens their 2024 regular season schedule against Houston on February 24.
Quick Kicks:
- Charlotte FC sold midfielder Kamil Jozwiak to Spanish club Granada, both clubs announced. Jozwiak joined the Eastern Conference club in 2022 and proceeded to score two goals and add 10 assists in 44 appearances. The move opens a DP spot for Charlotte FC.
- LAFC made two attacking signings this week, acquiring David Martínez and Tomas Angel. Martinez signed a four-year deal with the club while Angel signed a three-year deal.
- The Colorado Rapids acquired defender Lamine Diack on a six-month loan from Ligue 1 side Nantes, the clubs announced. Diack, 23, has registered 11 goals and seven assists in 124 professional appearances to date.
- The Seattle Sounders added Danny Musovski to their attacking corps. Musovski has scored 16 goals and added nine assists in 80 MLS appearances to date.