Philadelphia Union are reportedly close to re-signing USMNT defender Mark McKenzie for MLS, having agreed a $2.5 million transfer with Toulouse, according to The Athletic. The defender, who is moving into the final year of his contract, is set to join the Union in January on a Designated Player deal.

Philadelphia Union get their target

The Union were reportedly keen to sign the centre-back this summer, but Toulouse were unwilling to allow the United States international to leave before the season ended. January was said to be the suitable compromise. McKenzie will become the second DP defender signed by the Union in recent months, after left-back Kai Wagner arrived from Birmingham City in July.

The development was first reported by The Athletic.

A return home for McKenzie

McKenzie was born in Bear, Delaware, but spent his key development years at the Union Academy. He stayed only one year at Wake Forest before signing a homegrown contract with the Union. He made 48 appearances for the Union between 2018 and 2020 before leaving for Belgian club Genk in 2021. He has been with Toulouse since August 2024.

A USMNT talent

In McKenzie, the Union are getting a genuine USMNT talent. He was included in Mauricio Pochettino's squad this summer and played the full 90 minutes in the United States' group-stage defeat to Turkiye. The centre-back is expected to remain part of the set-up, especially as he is still only 27.

Others next?

There has been widespread speculation that MLS clubs would target USMNT players around the World Cup. FC Cincinnati made a strong attempt to sign Weston McKennie in the year before the tournament. New York City FC have had a long-standing interest in Christian Pulisic. Tim Ream returned to the league when he signed for Charlotte FC in August 2024.

However, two major talents moved in the opposite direction shortly after the tournament, with Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter both joining EFL Championship club Middlesbrough.