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Dynamo acquires USMNT midfielder Jack McGlynn in trade

Jack McGlynn earned his U.S. men’s national team debut in January and will now find himself in new club colors this MLS season.

McGlynn was acquired by the Houston Dynamo in a cash trade with the Philadelphia Union, both teams announced today. Philadelphia will receive $2.1 million, marking the first cash-for-player trade for a Homegrown player in MLS history and one of the largest trades in league history.

In addition, the Union could also receive up to an additional $1.3 million if certain performance-based metrics are met. McGlynn will occupy a U22 Initiative Slot. 

“Jack is one of the bright, young American talents in both MLS and the U.S. National Team player pool, and we look forward to his continued development in Houston,” said Dynamo President of Soccer Pat Onstad. “We expect him to thrive in our possession-oriented style of play, as Jack’s strengths match the attributes that we value in our central midfielders. With over 100 MLS appearances, he is a very proven player to occupy our fourth U22 Initiative spot on the roster. We are excited to welcome Jack to Houston as we push for a successful 20th Season.” 

McGlynn came up through the Union academy and proceeded to become one of the rising talents in MLS. He made 108 regular season appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and adding 15 assists.

The 21-year-old is coming off a career year for the Union, which led to him making his USMNT debut last month. McGlynn scored once against Venezuela while also registering one assist.

A former USYNT standout, McGlynn also represented the United States as the 2024 Olympic Games.

“We want to thank Jack for his dedication and contributions to the team, both on and off the field,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “Over the past three years, he has been a key part of our midfield, and we are incredibly proud of his growth. At this time, we believe this move is best for both the club and for Jack, allowing us to use the significant proceeds to reinvest and refine our roster, while placing him in an environment suited to his style of play and continued development. We have no doubt he’ll enjoy a successful career, and we look forward to following his journey.”

Philadelphia failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2024 while Houston was eliminated by the Seattle Sounders after a pair of shootout losses.

Comments

  1. Yeah this move is about Mcglynn not fitting the system Carnell wants to play. Also this allows more minutes to go to Cavan. Who does have skill, a left foot, and is higher energy.

    I hope Mcglynn kills it with Houston. Kid does have talent. And they need a skillful silky passig CM with their losses in midfield.

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  2. What is going on in Philly? Is there a plan for their team? They got rid of Curtin, all their academy talent seems to be leaving or traded, multiple USMNT youth players moved on…and they didn’t make playoffs last year. Now another academy star entering his prime…traded to another MLS club? Honest question from an outsider who hasn’t followed the Union closely.

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    • Ernst Tanner, the GM, and Carnell, the manager, are Red Bull high press guys. McGlynn does not fit that style, he’s not that athletic and they don’t need his left foot because you create chances with chaos not skillful passes. Rumors were Curtin wouldn’t play the all out press style Tanner wanted.

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    • $2.1 million for a young player is a lot by MLS standards. While I’m not familiar with Philly, for that kind of money they can get 2 or 3 good players. It’s like the San Diego Wave in the NWSL selling Girma to Chelsea. Girma is all everything on defense and on the face of it, that is a terrible deal. However, the player payroll cap in the league is $3 million per team and they got $1.1 million for Girma. From a GM standpoint, it would be hard to turn down a player sell off for enough money for 2 or 3 good players.

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      • I’m not really sure that’s the case in the men’s game. 2.1 million is not very much. Union signed a MF from the French league for 1.4 last summer. The guy played for a team that got relegated and plays for Haiti so not a huge addition. And you still have to pay that players salary. Jack’s total transfer fee and salary off the books was 2.3 million Jean Jacques was 1.9 million with fee and incoming salary. That leaves enough if you can find a decent guy on a free but there’s no room for a transfer fee and salary. They let a bunch of regulars go on frees this offseason so that frees up salary space but to get quality players to replace them the ownership is going to have to pony up the transfer fees. Maybe Carnell’s plan is to play the kids.

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