Philadelphia Union acquire defender Stuart Findlay from Scotland's Kilmarnock FC

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The Philadelphia Union have signed center back Stuart Findlay from Kilmarnock FC through the 2022 season with a 2023 club option, they announced Thursday. 

The deal involved an undisclosed transfer fee, and the 25-year-old will officially occupy an international roster spot on Philadelphia’s roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.

“We’re excited to welcome Stuart to the Philadelphia Union,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a release. “Being able to add a left-footed player to one of the best defenses in MLS, especially one capable of a fast-paced style of play, makes Stuart a valuable asset to our defense and club. We look forward to welcoming him to the team for an exciting 2021 season.”

Findlay comes from the Scottish Premiership’s Kilmarnock, where he made 144 total appearances, tallying 11 goals and three assists  He developed in Celtic FC's academy and spent time at Premier League side Newcastle United before settling in at Kilmarnock more permanently. 

Findlay has earned one cap for Scotland’s national team, scoring and assisting in an October 2019 UEFA Euro qualifying match against San Marino. He’s also made a combined 33 appearances across Scotland’s U-16 and U-21 national teams.

Earlier this offseason, Philadelphia transferred homegrown center back Mark McKenzie to Belgium's KRC Genk. Findlay figures to give them a senior option alongside Jack Elliott and Jakob Glesnes, both of whom helped Philadelphia lift the 2020 Supporters’ Shield. In 2021, the Union are entering the Concacaf Champions League for the first time.