Photo: Marjorie Elzey
As the MLS transfer deadline approaches on Thursday, organizations’ front offices are busy helping bolster their squad for the immediate future.
After adding Milan Iloski into the fray two weeks ago, as of right now it appears that Ernst Tanner and company have made all outside additions the Union were willing to make. As the Club barrel into a Supporters’ Shield, MLS Playoff, and US Open Cup push, the Union sporting director seems busy tending to matters in-house.
Glesnes extension
On Tuesday August 19th, it was announced by the Club that the Union had signed Norwegian center-back and cornerstone of the franchise, Jakob Glesnes, to an extension through 2027, with an option for 2028.
In his 212 appearances for the Club, Glesnes’s reliable presence in the back, his leadership, and his strong ability defensively and on the ball has been pivotal to transforming the Union into contenders year over year. The three-time MLS All-Star has notched 10 goals and 8 assists over his Union tenure, and will look to add more as the Union push for hardware late this season.
Glesnes underwent core/hernia surgery in the 2023 offseason that set him back quite a ways in 2024. However, his 2025 season has been a giant leap back to the form the Union stalwart had shown in the years leading up to the core injury.
And of course, Union supporters will rejoice, as they will continue to be able to yell “SHOOT” when Glesnes passes the half-way line in possession.
Glavinovich placed on “season-ending injury list”
This morning, it was announced that Argentine center-back Ian Glavinovich’s season is over after being added to the season-ending injury list.
The 23 year-old on loan from Newell’s Old Boys, suffered a meniscus injury on April 5th, and had undergone surgery to repair the meniscus, and was working his way back from injury in the time-period since surgery. However, as reported by Johnathan Tannenwald, Glavinovich suffered a series of setbacks that set his recovery back significantly.
Glavinovich made four appearances for the Union this season, potting one goal in those limited minutes. Even though his minutes were limited, it was clear Glavinovich’s talent. His ability on the ball, his deceptive ability to play forward with line breaking passes, and his athleticism tracking back are all characteristics the Union will miss.
Unforunately, as he is on loan, the Union will not likely activate the purchase option, especially after giving Jakob Glesnes his big extension earlier this week.
What can we glean?
When Ian Glavinovich was brought in on loan, it was pretty clear based on purely style of play that Glavinovich may develop to be the long-term replacement to Jakob Glesnes. The pair share several similar qualities, particularly when it comes to their ability on the ball.
Especially considering that Glesnes was coming off a pretty rough 2024 season where his play clearly regressed from the solid play that supporters came to expect from the center-back.
However, clearly things took a turn. Glesnes has found form that many thought was a distant memory, and Glavinovich’s unfortunate injury luck sidelined him for what was likely a trial run to replace Glesnes down the line.
So now, here we are. An extension to a 31 year old certainly doesn’t sound like Ernst Tanner’s tune.
After shipping 29 year-old Daniel Gazdag out of town earlier this season as he requested an extension, and rumors that Mikael Uhre isn’t likely to get the extension he is looking for, Glesnes’s deal is certainly an interesting one.
Though, when you consider that replacing Glesnes’s presence in the squad from a leadership, ball-playing ability, and defensive ability standpoint isn’t easily feasible, things become more clear. Glesnes is a player that other MLS clubs would give up a lot to have.
He provides a lot of value for this team that goes under the radar. His role is often unsung and unglorious. He throws his body in front of shots and plays an honest game.
Whether the Union decide to ultimately activate the purchase option for Glavinovich or not, Union supporters should be thrilled that Ernst was willing to pay a player of Glesnes’s ilk. Perhaps a Ring of Honor induction is in his future?
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