The LA Galaxy are on the verge of finalizing a significant deal to acquire defender Jakob Glesnes from the Philadelphia Union. Sources familiar with the situation informed The Athletic that while negotiations between Glesnes and the Galaxy are still ongoing, the terms of the trade between the clubs have been agreed upon. This deal, valued at over $1 million in guaranteed General Allocation Money (GAM), includes performance-based incentives as well.
Glesnes is recognized as one of the top center-backs in Major League Soccer (MLS). He finished as the runner-up for the Defender of the Year award in 2025, narrowly losing to Tristan Blackmon. The 31-year-old previously secured the award in 2022 and was named to the MLS Best XI in both 2022 and 2025.
The Galaxy, who clinched the MLS Cup in 2024, faced challenges this season and ended near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. A key factor in their struggles was the absence of midfielder Riqui Puig, who missed the entire season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). With Puig set to return for the 2026 season, the Galaxy are anticipated to rebound, positioning themselves as contenders once more.
Adding Glesnes to the roster is expected to bolster the Galaxy’s defensive line, which has been a point of concern. Since joining the Union in 2020, Glesnes has made a remarkable 224 appearances across all competitions. Over the past four seasons, he has participated in 162 of a possible 170 regular-season matches. His contributions were vital in the Union’s achievements, including winning the Supporters’ Shield in both 2020 and 2025, and reaching the MLS Cup in 2022.
This potential transfer may also impact Olwethu Makhanya, a rising star in the Union’s defense who has attracted interest from European clubs. If Glesnes departs, it is less likely that the Union would approve Makhanya’s transfer in January, complicating his situation further.
As the LA Galaxy moves closer to securing Glesnes, the implications for both the team and the Union are significant, potentially reshaping the landscape of MLS ahead of the upcoming season.
