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Jim Curtin on Alejandro Bedoya's future: "He should 100% be back" with Union

November 26, 2023

Nov 25, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya (11) kicks the ball against FC Cincinnati during the first half in a MLS Cup Eastern Conference Semifinal match at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Alejandro Bedoya’s time with the Philadelphia Union has been filled with more highs than lows and although Saturday featured a painful exit from the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, the possibility of the veteran midfielder lifting a league title with the club remains open.

The Union suffered a 1-0 Eastern Conference Semifinal loss to No. 1 seed FC Cincinnati on Saturday night, a result which concluded their 2023 campaign in heartbreaking fashion. Yerson Mosquera’s right-footed finish off of Ian Murphy’s headed pass was all the No. 1 seed needed to reach the Final Four of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Bedoya played 90 minutes from his traditional midfield position, starting alongside Jose Martinez, Jack McGlynn, and Daniel Gazdag in Jim Curtin’s 4-4-2 formation. The 36-year-old has been previously linked with an exit from the club this offseason after not signing a new contract through the 2024 campaign.

Bedoya originally joined the Union in 2016 as a Designated Player and since has totaled over 200 appearances across all competitions. He has been a consistent performer for the Union since his arrival in MLS, helping the Union reach the playoffs in each of their last six seasons, including lifting a Supporters Shield in 2020.

USATSI 21974647 scaled e1700989930299 — Nov 25, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya (11) reacts after FC Cincinnati defender Yerson Mosquera (15) scores a goal in the second half in a MLS Cup Eastern Conference Semifinal match at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Bedoya’s departure this offseason could open the door to new options in midfield, but Curtin believes the Union front office should do anything they can to bring the New Jersey native back for another go at silverware.

“I’ve been on record a million times,” Curtin said postmatch Saturday about Bedoya. “Alejandro’s bigger than anybody that’s ever been at our club, myself included. He’s bigger than anybody. He should 100% be back. His talk and his play on the field speaks for itself.

“I think anywhere in the world, the head coach would have a say in what’s up with this captain,” he added. “I think there was a miscommunication for sure. So we’ll see how that plays out.”

The Union have also been linked with losing star left back Kai Wagner this offseason, which could also be another major blow to their roster heading into 2024.