TRANSFER TRACKER:Roster Update
The Philadelphia Union have declined Marco Fabian’s 2020 contract option and will not extend an offer to out-of-contract midfielder Haris Medunjanin, a source tells MLSsoccer.com.
Two of the club’s highest-paid players will be on the move, opening a Designated Player slot and significant salary cap space.
Fabian, 30, became the Union’s highest-ever paid player last winter when he inked his DP contract with big expectations. Hampered by injuries, the Mexican star started only 15 MLS matches, scoring seven goals and adding one assist. He lost his starting spot at the end of the season, even when he was, fit due to the emergence of Homegrown midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
Medunjanin, 34, started each of the club’s 34 games. He was again one of their most important players, even as the club went away from their possession-based system that suited him better. Sitting at the base of midfield and serving as the Union's regular set-piece taker, Medunjanin picked up 10 assists and scored one goal.
Altogether, it was the most productive season of Medunjanin's three-year Union career. The Bosnia and Herzegovina native will turn 35 at the beginning of the 2020 season.
Philadelphia implemented a high-pressing system last season and will continue down that path in 2020, with a more mobile player at the base of their midfield. Additionally, the club still hopes to reach an agreement to acquire on-loan midfielder Jamiro Monteiro from FC Metz on a permeant basis.
Fabian joined Philadelphia from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. He initially moved to Frankfurt during the 2015-16 season after starring for Chivas Guadalajara and Cruz Azul.
Medunjanin came to MLS from Maccabi Tel Aviv and had stints in the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey. He's also made 60 appearances for the Bosnian national team.
