The Philadelphia Union traded All-Star defender Jakob Glesnes and the homegrown priority rights to academy forward Jamir Johnson to the Los Angeles Galaxy on Monday.
The Galaxy will send a guaranteed $1.1 million to Philadelphia in the deal — $500,000 in 2025, $600,000 in 2027 — and another $1.1 million in conditional money if the players meet certain performance metrics.
The Union also retain a future trade and sell-on percentage for Johnson if Los Angeles moves him.
Glesnes, a 31-year-old from Norway, has spent the bulk of his playing career with the Union, appearing in 224 matches across all competitions since 2020 and scoring 10 goals with eight assists.
He was the 2022 MLS Defender of the Year and earned his third All-Star nod in 2025.
“Jakob has been an integral part of our defensive unit and the success they have had during his time with the club,” Philadelphia head coach Bradley Carnell said in a statement. “Since joining the Union, he has played a major role in the team’s success, and we remain grateful for his leadership on and off the field. This move provides significant financial opportunities to continue to invest and strengthen our roster while reinforcing our competitive strategy.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Jakob and his family to Los Angeles,” Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz said in a statement. “In his six years in MLS, Jakob has established himself as one of the best center-backs in the league and a back-line leader on multiple Supporter’s Shield winning teams. We look forward to having Jakob join the group in January as we prepare for the 2026 campaign.”
Johnson, 17, played for Philadelphia Union II and represented the U.S. at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
–Field Level Media
