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LA Galaxy are closing in on a deal to acquire former Major League Soccer Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes from the Philadelphia Union, sources briefed on the situation have told The Athletic.
The deal is not yet done, as Glesnes and the Galaxy remain in talks, sources add, but terms between the two clubs are done. The trade agreement is for over $1million GAM guaranteed plus performance-based add-ons, sources say.
Glesnes is one of the best center-backs in MLS. He finished second in Defender of the Year voting in 2025, voted narrowly behind Tristan Blackmon. The 31-year-old won the award in 2022. He was named to the MLS Best XI in 2022 and 2025.
LA Galaxy won the MLS Cup in 2024 but finished near the bottom of the Western Conference this year, as midfielder Riqui Puig missed the entire season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He will be back for 2026 and the Galaxy, who finished the season strong, are expected to be among the best teams in the West once again.
The Galaxy struggled defensively and adding Glesnes should solve those issues. Glesnes has been a mainstay for the Union since joining in 2020, making 224 appearances across all competitions. Over the last four seasons, he has appeared in 162 of a possible 170 regular-season games.
The Union won the Supporters’ Shield in 2020 and 2025 with Glesnes a key part of the team. Philly made MLS Cup in 2022 as well as regular qualification to the Concacaf Champions Cup.
This deal would likely complicate any European offers arriving for defender Olwethu Makhanya. The breakout star has interest abroad but if Glesnes leaves, that makes it unlikely for the Union to sanction a move for Makhanya in January.