After excelling with the Philadelphia Union for the last two seasons, Kai Wagner's days in MLS might be numbered.
Reports from SI's Kristian Dyer and Transfermarkt's Manuel Veth have linked a number of German and English teams with interest in a move for Wagner, a revelation MLSsoccer.com can confirm. Wagner himself commented on the rumors in an interview with German magazine Kicker.
“In February I will already be 24, so I also think that I will have to move on soon," Wagner told Kicker, via Transfermarkt. "I have left an impression here and I am ready for one of the top three leagues in Europe. Bundesliga, Premier League or Spain, whatever. I want to be a regular player there and maybe even make the step to the national team."
Wagner, 23, arrived under minimal fanfare from German third division club Wurzburger Kickers and was an instant revelation for the 2020 Supporters' Shield-winning Union. He has made 44 starts at left back and has added 10 assists, recognized as one of the league's top fullbacks.
“Kai had interest last year as well so he's that talented at a position to be quite frank that there's not a lot of good ones in the world,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said last week. “They're really hard to find, good left footed players, especially left footed defenders are very unique. There's a premium for them. When scouts see good ones they jump quickly at them so it's not surprising to me to hear that Kai has drawn a lot of interest in Europe."
The Union kick off their quest for MLS Cup on Tuesday against the New England Revolution (TV & streaming info). Philly will have homefield advantage for as long as they play this postseason, hoping to win their first-ever Cup after winning their first-ever Shield.
