Philadelphia Union Sign Defender Kai Wagner to New Contract
January 15, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release
CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has signed defender Kai Wagner to a new contract. Taking effect immediately, the deal ensures that Wagner, who made 14 starts and scored one goal at left back on the Union's 2020 Supporters' Shield-winning side, is under contact with the Union through the 2022 season, with a club option for 2023.
"Kai has been one of the best left backs in our league since he arrived in Philadelphia," said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. "We ask our defenders to dominate an entire flank by themselves, and he continually shows he is up to the challenge. We are delighted to have come to a longer-term agreement with Kai."
Wagner, 23, has made 44 regular-season appearances (44 starts) since joining Philadelphia in 2019. This past season he scored his first goal in a 2-1 victory over Miami (July 14) and logged his first multiple assist game when he added two helpers in a 5-0 win vs. Toronto (Oct. 24).
In his two seasons with the club, Wagner has been one of the league's top defenders, making MLS' Team of the Week three times in that span. In 2019, having eight assists in 30 games played ranked him first amongst MLS defenders. His eight assists as a defender also tied Sheanon Williams' all-time single-season club record. That same season he tied an all-time Union record with five blocked shots in one match (June 2 vs. Minnesota).
Prior to joining the Union, Wagner signed his first professional contract with SSV Ulm 1846, before becoming a member of Bundesliga club Schalke 04. He then signed with German side Wurzburger Kickers where he remained until signing with the Union.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender Kai Wagner to a new contract on January 15 , 2021.
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