Transfer: Union Bolster Defense: Ian Glavinovich Joins on Loan from Newell’s Old Boys
Argentine center back brings promise and depth to Philadelphia’s defensive lineup for the 2025 season.
Chester, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union announced on Friday, December 20, that they have acquired center back Ian Glavinovich on loan for the 2025 season, with an option to buy from Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys.
Glavinovich, 23, has been with Newell’s Old Boys since 2022 and has made 30 appearances over the last three years for the club. He debuted on August 27, 2022, against Godoy Cruz, playing nine minutes in a 2-1 loss for Newell’s. That would be his only appearance during the 2022 season. The 2022/2023 season was more promising, as he appeared in 10 games for the club across all competitions, totaling 828 minutes. Seven of those appearances came in the Copa de la Liga, a cup competition featuring the 28 top-flight teams in Argentina. This past season, Glavinovich played 19 games across all competitions for Newell’s, accumulating 1,665 minutes.
Glavinovich impressed so much last season that he was on the verge of transferring to Brazilian side Vasco Da Gama this past September. However, the deal fell through as paperwork was not submitted before the transfer window closed. While Newell’s Old Boys claimed they submitted the paperwork on time and blamed Vasco Da Gama, journalist César Luis Merlo reported that it was Newell’s who were late in filing.
The proposed deal with Vasco Da Gama was structured as a $250,000 loan with an option to buy for $2.5 million, plus a 20% sell-on clause payable to Newell’s.
Internationally, Glavinovich has appeared twice for Argentina’s U23 team. He made his debut on December 13, 2023, against Ecuador’s U23s, playing 57 minutes. On March 22, 2024, he earned his first start, playing the full 90 minutes in a 4-2 win over Mexico’s U23s.
Union’s Center Back Depth
With Jack Elliott officially joining the Chicago Fire and Glavinovich now a Union player, the team’s center-back depth consists of three players: Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, and Glavinovich.
Jakob Glesnes
Glesnes, 30, is the most experienced center back on the roster, with 186 appearances (181 starts) for the Union across all competitions, totaling 16,456 minutes. He has contributed to 65 clean sheets, scored nine goals, and registered seven assists during his time with the club.
Last season was challenging for Glesnes, highlighted by two own goals—one in the season opener against Saprissa in the Concacaf Champions Cup and another in the final MLS regular-season match against FC Cincinnati.
Despite these setbacks, Glesnes played 43 games (41 starts) across all competitions in 2024, scoring two goals and providing two assists over 3,735 minutes. He helped the Union secure 11 clean sheets during these appearances.
Earning $1,138,125 last season, Glesnes is under contract through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026.
Olwethu Makhanya
Makhanya, 20, has yet to make his first-team debut for the Union since joining from South African club Stellenbosch F.C. in the summer of 2023.
He has, however, played extensively for Philadelphia Union II in MLS Next Pro, with 31 appearances (30 starts), two goals, and 2,791 minutes. During his time with Union II, he helped secure five clean sheets.
Last season, Makhanya made 26 appearances, logging 2,341 minutes for Union II. He was the Union’s sole U22 initiative player in 2024, earning $263,875. He is signed through the 2025 season, with options for 2026 and 2027.
Homegrown Talent on the Horizon
Another center-back signing may soon be announced. On November 26, 2024, journalist José Nuñez reported that academy product Neil Pierre has signed a homegrown contract with the Union.
Pierre, 17, debuted for Union II on July 25, 2023, in a 6-2 victory over Columbus Crew 2. Since then, he has made 33 appearances (28 starts) for the MLS Next Pro side, scoring two goals and providing one assist across 2,717 minutes.
In 2024, Pierre played 26 games (24 starts), contributing to six clean sheets over 2,307 minutes. His standout performances helped propel Union II to the MLS Next Pro Cup final, where they fell 3-2 to North Texas.
Pierre has also represented the United States Youth National Team at various levels, earning 13 caps. Most recently, he was called into the U19 team for a training camp in Florida in November, alongside teammates C.J. Olney, Andrew Rick, and David Vazquez.
Excellent work!