Official: German defender returns to MLS after short stint at Birmingham City

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·17 July 2026

Official: German defender returns to MLS after short stint at Birmingham City

Kai Wagner completed his move back to Philadelphia Union for a reported €3.5 million transfer fee from Birmingham City. The Championship side previously acquired the German left-back for €2.5 million (both fees from Transfermarkt) from the same club at the beginning of the year.

The 29-year-old featured 18 times in English football as the Blues failed to complete back-to-back promotions. “The decision to return came from my heart!” said the player after he completed the move that was initiated due to personal reasons.

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Wagner has won the Supporters' Shield twice in his first stint at Philadelphia. He initially joined the MLS in 2019 after a couple of seasons in 3. Liga with Würzburger Kickers. The three-time MLS All-Star has played for the youth teams of Augsburg and Schalke.