The Los Angeles Galaxy has finalized the acquisition of a prominent league defender, bringing Philadelphia Union’s central defender, Jakob Glesnes, to Southern California.
A prior recipient of the MLS Defender of the Year accolade represents the most recent high-profile individual to leave the 2025 Supporters’ Shield champions, with reports indicating Tai Baribo is also headed to D.C. United via I-95.
Since joining the Union from Norway’s Eliteserien club Strømsgodset in 2020, Glesnes proved to be an indispensable asset, contributing to the team’s two Supporters’ Shield victories, a spot in the 2022 MLS Cup championship match, and earning MLS All-Star nominations three separate times (in 2022, 2023, and 2025).
Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to Jakob and his relatives in Los Angeles.”
“Throughout his six-year tenure in Major League Soccer, Jakob has cemented his reputation as a premier central defender within the competition and a pivotal defensive figure for various Supporter’s Shield-winning squads.”
This transaction will cost the Galaxy more than $1 million in General Allocation Money, plus additional performance incentives that have the potential to reach an extra $1 million.
The inclusion of Glesnes among the Galaxy’s roster members might serve as a crucial impetus for the club to recover following a poor 2025 season, during which the team, a six-time MLS Cup champion, concluded in 14th place within the Western Conference.
📸 Photography by Zoe Davis – Getty Images, 2025
