The Philadelphia Union have a deal in place to transfer Mark McKenzie to KRC Genk, a source confirmed to MLSsoccer.com. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jonathan Tannenwald first reported that the clubs reached an agreement.
A source adds the deal is in the region of $6 million plus performance-based add-ons. Philly will retain a sell-on percentage in any future transfer of McKenzie.
The Union rejected a bid from Scottish club Celtic for McKenzie for a much lesser value over the summer. They aimed to win a trophy and did, lifting the 2020 Supporters' Shield.
McKenzie, 21, signed a homegrown deal with the Union ahead of the 2018 season and has made 48 MLS appearances (46 starts) to date. He was a finalist for MLS Defender of the Year this season and was named to the 2020 MLS Best XI.
The center back has one senior-team appearance with the US men’s national team and captained the US at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Genk are currently second in the Belgian Pro League behind Club Brugge and consistently compete for a spot in the UEFA Champions League or Europa League.
McKenzie is set to be the second high-profile transfer out of Philly to Europe this year, as the club had already agreed to the transfer of Brenden Aaronson to Austrian side RB Salzburg, effective January 1.
The transfer would leave Philly with two key center backs in Jack Elliott and Jakob Glesnes, while 16-year-old homegrown Brandan Craig can also play the position. Expect the club to add in that area this winter.
