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Union might be forced to sell Julian Carranza in 2024

December 5, 2023

Oct 21, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Julian Carranza (9) in control of the ball during the second half against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Julian Carranza has proven to be one of the biggest bargains in the history of the Philadelphia Union and the Argentinian striker very well could net the club a substantial profit in 2024 after two successful seasons.

Carranza’s option was exercised by the Union after the club announced their end-of-season roster moves on Monday ahead of the new campaign. The 23-year-old struggled to make an immediate impact over this first two MLS seasons with Inter Miami, netting just three goals in 42 combined league appearances.

However, after originally joining the Union on loan in 2022, Carranza has certainly found his groove, totaling 29 goals in league play and being a key player for Jim Curtin’s squad. Carranza’s impact helped the Union reach the CONCACAF Nations League in back-to-back seasons, as well as reach MLS Cup last year.

He has also become a clinical finisher in his two seasons at Subaru Park, forming a strong partnership with fellow attackers Daniel Gazdag and Mikael Uhre. Carranza’s long-term future though could be in Europe or South America as he aims to test himself at the highest level for club and country.

USATSI 21574022 scaled e1701397469212 — Oct 4, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Julian Carranza (9) reacts after scoring a first half goal against the Atlanta United at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

The Union would certainly love to have the Argentine for the entirety of the 2024 season, but sporting director Ernst Tanner admitted that growing interest abroad could lead to a sale next year.

“We picked up his option because that was our obligation,” Tanner said Monday. “Carranza has always drawn a lot of interest, and it would have been easy to sell him in summer, to be honest. But we tried to keep the team together as far as possible.

“That will not be the case in [the] future,” Tanner said. “If there is an offer, of course, with one year remaining [of a] contract duration, that’s something you need to adjust [to] accordingly. Otherwise, you might not have the resources to go and get somebody else, in particular.”

Carranza was one of seven Union players who had their contracts exercised for 2024, which also featured Leon Flach, Joaquin Torres, and Damion Lowe. The Union continue their offseason break before a likely preseason camp in Florida next January.