Alejandro Bedoya Returns for 2025; Jack Elliott Departs for Chicago Fire
Union secure their captain for another season while bidding farewell to a key defensive stalwart.
Chester, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union announced on Monday, December 16th, that they have re-signed midfielder Alejandro Bedoya for the 2025 season.
Bedoya, 37, will return for his 10th season with the Union since joining the club in 2016 from French side FC Nantes. In terms of his MLS stats with the club, he is second in appearances with 244, second in starts with 217, third in assists with 37, and eighth in goals with 24. Bedoya is also one of only four players in Union history with 20 goals and 20 assists. The other three players include Sebastian Le Toux, Ilsinho, and Dániel Gazdag.
There were numerous times last season when Bedoya confirmed to the media that he still wanted to play another season, with the most recent instance coming on October 19th after the FC Cincinnati match, the Union’s last game of the year.
“Yeah, I mean, I still want to play—physically and mentally I feel good. I felt I've kind of embraced the new role that’s been given to me, right? Not being a week in and week out starter, but the times I've come in, I think I've contributed in a positive way,” said Bedoya. “And we got more wins this season with me starting than not. That’s a stat for you guys, I'm sure you guys already knew that probably,” said Bedoya with a smirk on his face.
Last year marked the fewest minutes Bedoya has played in MLS since coming over in the summer of 2016 from FC Nantes, where he played 844 minutes for the club in 10 starts. Bedoya started 13 of his 30 appearances for the Union last season, logging 1,448 minutes, scoring two goals, and registering two assists. And, not that he needed fact-checking, but the Union did, in fact, win more games (5) with him starting than they did when he didn’t start (4).
“Alejandro’s contributions as a player, leader, and front office specialist proved invaluable last season” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “While he is still an important player on the field, his leadership and insights in his Player Development role are especially beneficial. His experience, combined with his passion and dedication to the Union, makes him an important mentor for our young players, while his business acumen is beneficial to the entire organization. We’re happy to welcome Alejandro back for another season.”
Bedoya was earning $389,996.00 according to the MLSPA, which was a 63.21% pay cut from the $1,060,000 he earned in 2023.
With Bedoya re-signed, the Union’s roster currently stands at 25 players: Markus Anderson, Tai Baribo, Alejandro Bedoya, Andre Blake, Jesús Bueno, Chris Donovan, Dániel Gazdag, Jakob Glesnes, Nathan Harriel, Danley Jean-Jacques, Isaiah LeFlore, Olwethu Makhanya, Olivier Mbaizo, Jack McGlynn, CJ Olney, Nick Pariano, Nelson Pierre, Jeremy Rafanello, Andrew Rick, Oliver Semmle, Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan, David Vazquez, Mikael Uhre, Kai Wagner.
The roster size is important to note because at Ernst Tanner’s End of the Season press conference a few weeks ago, he was asked about the ideal roster size for the team for the upcoming 2025 season, with Tanner mentioning between 25-27 players.
Jack Elliott Signs With The Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire announced on Monday, December 16th, that they had signed Jack Elliott to a contract through 2025, with a club option for the 2026 season.
Elliott, 29, had spent eight seasons with the Union after being drafted in the fourth round (pick 77) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He made his Union debut on April 1, 2017, against D.C. United, replacing Richie Marquez at halftime in a game the Union would wind up losing 2-1.
Elliott finishes his Union career with the third-most appearances in MLS (223), the third-most starts (212), and the third-most minutes played (19,107). His 10 goals scored are the most among Union center backs of all time.
The Union declined the 2025 option they had on Elliott’s previous contract, which, in turn, made him a free agent for the first time in his career.
Elliott was making $893,750 last season, which was the 23rd-most among center backs in MLS, according to the MLSPA.
He made 28 appearances last season in MLS for the Union while playing 2,394 minutes, which ranked as the fifth-most on the team.
Elliott will be remembered for his two goals in the 2022 MLS Cup against LAFC. Elliott was in line to have the game-winning goal until Gareth Bale scored, sending the game to penalties.
Elliott took to Instagram to announce his departure from the club, noting that he was disappointed and that he knows his worth:
"After months of back and forth, and 8 years with the club, I’m disappointed to announce my time in Philadelphia has come to a close. Philadelphia has become home to me, but the time has come where I have to stay true to myself and know my own worth.
Looking back on my time with the Philadelphia Union, I feel immensely proud. Proud of the steps forward we took, the things we accomplished when no one believed we could. From the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows, I’m proud of how I carried myself throughout my time here and each experience has shaped me into the man and player I am today. I have made lifelong friendships here, and I will miss my teammates who were with me through it all.
I wore the Philadelphia Union badge with pride, and I never took a second for granted. I thank every fan, teammate, coach, and trainer involved in my journey, from a 4th round draft pick to where I am now. It’s time I bet on myself, and I truly believe this is just the beginning for me. I am incredibly excited and hopeful for what is ahead. It is goodbye for now, I leave a piece of my heart in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Union."
Jack Elliott #3
Ernst Tanner told the media at his End of the Season press conference that the Union had offered Elliott a new deal, but he had turned it down as he was looking for more money. Knowing that context, that would explain why Elliott used the words “knowing my worth,” as he believed he was worth more money than the Union offered him.
“With Jack, it’s a little bit different as he turned down an offer which was very respectable,” said Ernst Tanner. “[He] was looking for more money, and that we can not do in regard to roster flexibility.”
Credit: Philadelphia Union