MLS Insider: Tom Bogert

Philadelphia Union close to completing deal for center back Jakob Glesnes

Jakob Glesnes

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Report


Norwegian club Stromgodset announced that center back Jakob Glesnes is set to join the Philadelphia Union, pending personal terms and a medical. Sources later confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that the two sides were close to finalizing personal terms.


Glesnes, 25, was the club's captain and has made 113 appearances with Stromsgodset since joining in 2016. He has been capped at the Norwegian youth levels, though has yet to make his senior debut. 

Stromsgodset highlighted that Glesnes was entering the last year of his contract and that the two clubs had been negotiating for "a long time." 


If the clubs get the deal over the line, Glesnes will join Philly's ranks of central defenders alongside Mark McKenzie, Jack Elliott and Aurelien Collin.


McKenzie, who is currently on national team duty, could miss time this season with the United States Under-23 side. Qualification for the Olympics starts in March and, should the United States qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, McKenzie could also miss time in the summer.