Transfers: Philadelphia Union sign Danley Jean Jacques from Ligue 2 side FC Metz
Union Strengthen Midfield Depth with Haitian International Danley Jean Jacques Signing, Preparing for Future Transitions.
Chester, PA— The Philadelphia Union have announced the signing of midfielder Danley Jean Jacques from Ligue 2 side FC Metz. Jean Jacques will occupy an International Roster Slot and has signed a contract through the 2026 season, with options for 2027 and 2028.
According to the Inquirer, the Philadelphia Union paid a transfer fee of $1.5M to acquire the Haitian international from the French club. The Union also had to pay $100K in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) to MLS side Portland Timbers for his discovery rights. MLS implemented the discovery list so multiple teams wouldn’t compete for the same player. Teams may place five players on their discovery list, and if multiple teams have the same player on their list, MLS determines which team filed for that player first. If the club with a higher discovery priority wants to sign the player, then it’s between the two clubs to negotiate compensation for the player’s rights.
Jean Jacques, 24, began his professional career in Haiti in 2015 with Don Bosco FC, where he made 52 appearances and scored seven goals. In 2021, he moved to Metz’s B team, spending the 2021-2022 season there. After impressing with the second team, he earned a contract with the first team, where he spent the next two years, appearing in 69 games and registering three assists. During the 2023/24 season, Jean Jacques started 30 of his 33 Ligue 1 appearances with Metz.
“We are excited to welcome Danley to the Philadelphia Union. He is a versatile player in the midfield and has proven himself in a top league,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “He is a quick, physical player who fits our style of play and has the ability to make an immediate impact.”
Jean Jacques has also represented Haiti at the international level, both at the youth and full national teams. He has made 11 appearances at the youth level with the U17, U20, and U21 teams, scoring once in his youth career. He has also been capped five times with the full national team, scoring one goal. He made his debut on March 25, 2023, coming on as a substitute in a CONCACAF Nations League Group Stage match against Montserrat.
Uncertainty with a Couple of Players on the Roster
The Philadelphia Union have two midfielders, Leon Flach and Alejandro Bedoya, who are both out of contract after this season. However, Curtin admitted two weeks ago that there has been “back and forth and talks all the way dating back to last year” regarding the possibility of signing Leon Flach to a new contract. José Martínez has expressed his desire to play in Europe after an impressive Copa América with Venezuela, and Jim Curtin has also noted that the Union have started to receive calls about Jack McGlynn after his performance at the Olympics with the USA. If the Union move on from any of these midfielders, Jean Jacques is ready to step into the starting XI. If they retain their players, Jean Jacques adds valuable depth to a position that is crucial to the Union’s demanding 4-4-2 diamond formation.
Ten Players Signed Through the 2026 Season
The Union have secured long-term contracts for five midfielders (Jesús Bueno, Danley Jean Jacques, CJ Olney, Cavan Sullivan, and David Vazquez), two forwards (Markus Anderson and Nelson Pierre), two goalkeepers (Andre Blake and Andrew Rick), and one defender (Kai Wagner) through 2026. The club has done well in locking up key players while also giving long-term deals to those close to breaking into the starting XI and those with promising futures.
