Tai Baribo, the Philadelphia Union‘s leading scorer over the last two seasons with 25 goals, has signed with D.C. United in a $4 million Designated Player transfer. This move sets up an immediate reunion in Saturday’s MLS opener in Washington where D.C. United will host Philadelphia.
Baribo shifts to D.C. United as a key replacement for Christian Benteke, the 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner, whose contract option was not extended.
Contributions and Challenges for Both Teams
Last season, Baribo’s 16 goals helped the Union achieve a strong 20-8-6 record with 66 points, earning them the Supporters’ Shield and a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Conversely, D.C. United struggled, finishing with the league’s poorest record at 5-18-11 and missing the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year—the longest active drought in MLS.
To strengthen the attack, Baribo will be paired up front with 23-year-old Louis Munteanu, a Romanian striker acquired from CFR Cluj in a club-record deal worth up to $10 million. D.C. United also added veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who brings experience from over 400 MLS matches, to address a defense that conceded 66 goals last season—the highest in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia’s Roster Shifts and Youth Movement
Philadelphia faces its own transitions after losing top defenders Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes. Wagner, who led the team with 11 assists in 2025, transferred to Birmingham City in England, while Glesnes moved to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Coach Bradley Carnell acknowledged the inevitability of changes after a successful season.
If your team does well, it’s no wonder that you’re going to be getting a few phone calls,
Bradley Carnell, Philadelphia coach said.
The Union’s had a great reputation of hiring good people and great players. It’s just a conveyor belt now.
To fill the void left by Baribo’s departure, the Union signed 20-year-old Ezekiel Alladoh from IF Brommapojkarna in Sweden, setting a club-record $4.5 million transfer fee. Defensively, Geiner Martinez (23) and Japhet Sery Larsen (25) have been brought in to replace Glesnes and Wagner.
D.C.-Philadelphia Rivalry Intensifies Amid Player Moves
The recent history between the two clubs heavily favors Philadelphia, with D.C. United going winless in their last nine encounters (0-6-3), including a 6-0 defeat in their last meeting in Washington. This adds emotional intensity for both sides heading into the opener.
There’s a lot of emotion to it for all of us, especially how the last game went for us at home against them. It has to be personal,
Lucas Bartlett, D.C. defender stated.
It’s a team that has a target on their back. They were first in the East.
Outlook for the Season and Player Impact
The addition of Tai Baribo and Louis Munteanu gives D.C. United renewed offensive options as they look to end their prolonged playoff drought, while Philadelphia’s youthful acquisitions aim to sustain their competitive edge despite key departures. Saturday’s game promises to be a critical test of whether D.C.’s new lineup can challenge the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions on their home turf.
