Philadelphia Union acquire USMNT defender Mark McKenzie | OneFootball

By Justin Ruderman

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The Philadelphia Union have re-acquired homegrown defender Mark McKenzie as a Designated Player, the club announced Wednesday.

The center back's deal takes effect in January 2027. He is under contract through the 2029-30 season with a club option for the 2030-31 campaign.

McKenzie, who represented the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, will join Philadelphia from French Ligue 1 side FC Toulouse.

"Bringing Mark back to Philadelphia is a significant moment for our club and reflects the values and ambition of this city and our organization," said Philadelphia Union sporting director Jon Scheer.

"Mark came through our Academy, established himself with the first team, and over the last several years has had success at the highest levels for both club and country, most recently representing the United States at the World Cup this past summer.

"This is an exciting time for our club, but also a critical period for the Union as we continue building for the future. Adding a player of Mark’s quality in the prime of his career, along with his leadership and commitment to continued growth and elevating those around him, will strengthen our club’s foundation moving forward as we pursue our goals of winning and reaching new heights. We’re excited about what we can achieve together."

McKenzie played three seasons for the Union from 2018-20, recording 2g/3a in 48 regular-season appearances. In 2020, he helped Philly win the Supporters' Shield, earned MLS Best XI honors and was an MLS Defender of the Year finalist.

In January 2021, McKenzie made a multi-million-dollar move to Belgium's KRC Genk before joining Toulouse in 2024. He's produced 6g/7a in 200 appearances (all competitions) during his time in Europe and won a Belgian Cup.

Internationally, McKenzie has 30 caps for the USMNT and is a two-time Concacaf Nations League champion.

"Philadelphia has always been home to me. This club, this community, and these fans have played such an important role in shaping who I am, both as a player and as a person," said McKenzie.

"When I left, I did so with the goal of challenging myself at the highest levels in Europe and representing my country, but no matter where my career has taken me, I’ve always carried Philadelphia and the Union with me. To now have the opportunity to come home, wear this badge again, and help build on the success of this club is incredibly meaningful.

"I’m grateful for everything this journey has given me, and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter, to reconnect with the city, my teammates, and our supporters, and to get to work in January."

READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker