Kai Wagner is a Philadelphia Union player again, seven-plus months after leaving for Birmingham City. The club announced the move Friday, returning the German left back on a contract that runs through the 2028-29 season with an option for 2029-30. He slots into a Designated Player roster spot.
Getting it done took a side deal. Philadelphia sent Sporting Kansas City a 2026 international roster spot and the 22nd position in the waiver order, and got back the top spot in that order plus $100,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money. That put the Union first in line to claim Wagner off waivers.
Wagner spent seven seasons in Philadelphia from 2019 through 2025 and left as the club’s all-time assist leader. He posted 10 goals and 54 assists in 253 appearances across all competitions, made three MLS All-Star teams, earned two Best XI selections, and won Supporters’ Shields in 2020 and 2025. The club also counts an Eastern Conference championship on his Union résumé.
The Birmingham detour was brief. Wagner logged one goal and three assists in 18 matches for the English second-division side.
Sporting director Jon Scheer built his statement around Wagner’s understanding of what the club and its supporters expect, and said he anticipates an immediate impact this season. Wagner pointed to the city becoming home for his family and said “returning was a decision that came from the heart,” adding that the time away clarified how much the club meant to him.
Ryan Richter is running the team on an interim basis after Philadelphia parted ways with Bradley Carnell in late May. The Union come out of the FIFA World Cup break on July 22 against Red Bull New York, 7:30 pm ET on Apple TV.
