Union add Glesnes to defense
It didn’t take long for the Philadelphia Union’s defensive rumors to result in action.
The Union Friday announced the signing of center back Jakob Glesnes from Norwegian club Stromsgodset, adding another young player with high upside to the team’s ranks.
The deal was sealed using Targeted Allocation Money and involved an undisclosed transfer fee. Glesnes’ contract is for two years with club options for a third and fourth. The 25-year-old is already training with the Union in Clearwater, Fla.
“To become a captain of a club at 25 years old is a remarkable feat for a young player and what attracted us to Jakob in addition to his strong aerial presence and front-foot defense,” sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a team statement. “Coming from a club with a similar style of play, Jakob will be able to easily transition into our system, making him a valuable asset to our defense and club.”
Glesnes, who stands 6-2, 185 pounds, has made 113 appearances in Norway’s Eliteserien, including 99 with Stromsgodset, scoring three goals to go with six assists. He’s been on the books at Stromsgodset since
2016, and this is his first stint overseas. Glesnes has represented Norway at the
Under-17 and Under-21 levels. He was called up to the senior national team in October
2019 but didn’t appear in a game. Glesnes’ profile isn’t of someone expected to sit the bench, based on pedigree and salary. He’ll have opportunities to play if Mark McKenzie is away with the United States
Under-23 team at the Tokyo Olympics. Even when McKenzie is in Chester, Glesnes should vie with the Homegrown and Jack Elliott for starting minutes on a regular basis. With veteran Aurelien Collin, the Union have four center backs under contract for 2020.