Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union have announced the acquisition of U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Alejandro Bedoya from FC Nantes. Bedoya will join the Union as a Designated Player pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
The Union acquired Bedoya via the Allocation Process after the club secured the #1 spot in the Allocation Ranking Order in a trade with the Chicago Fire. The Union traded General Allocation Money, Targeted Allocation Money, the club’s natural first round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Pick, and the Discovery Priority on a player* in exchange for the #1 spot.
“We have laid out very specific goals for our club this season and Alejandro adds the type of quality that can instantly guide us in achieving them,” Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart said. “He’s a tremendous player in the prime of his career and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the club.”
Bedoya, 29, joins from FC Nantes of France’s Ligue 1. He originally joined the club in August of 2013, and immediately made an impact for the newly-promoted club by playing in 31 league games and registering five goals. Overall, during his three years in France, Bedoya played in 87 league games and scored 11 goals. He also added three goals in nine cup games. Bedoya has also had professional time with Helsinborgs IF (2012-13), Rangers FC (2011-12) and Orebo SK (2009-11). Bedoya signed with Sweden’s Orebo after a successful collegiate career at Boston College. He spent one year in Scotland before returning to the Allsvenskan (the top flight of Swedish football), with Helsinborg.
Internationally, Bedoya continues to be an indispensable option for USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, coming in with 53 career caps over the last seven years. Bedoya, who was born in Englewood, N.J., appeared in all four World Cup matches for the USMNT in 2014, and was a driving force in the team’s semifinal run during the 2016 Copa America Centenario. Overall, he’s scored two goals and handed out eight assists in his international career.
“I’m excited to continue my career in the United States with Philadelphia Union. This is a great opportunity for me to play in front of my friends and family,” Bedoya said. “I’m looking forward to doing whatever I can to help the club reach our ultimate goal of winning a MLS Cup.”
Philadelphia Union are back in MLS action on Saturday, Aug. 6 against D.C. United. The Union next return home to Talen Energy Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 20 against Toronto FC. Single game and group tickets are still available by visitingPhiladelphiaUnion.com/tickets or by calling 1-877-21-UNION.
*For competitive reasons, club Discovery Lists are kept confidential.
PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Alejandro Bedoya
Position: Midfielder
Dual Nationality: USA
Birth Date: April 29, 1987
Birthplace: Englewood, N.J.
Height: 5-10
Transaction: Philadelphia Union acquire Alejandro Bedoya as a Designated Player on Aug. 3, 2016 and will be added to the Union’s roster upon receipt of his ITC. The Union acquired Bedoya via the Allocation Process after the club secured the #1 spot in the Allocation Ranking Order in a trade with the Chicago Fire. The Union traded General Allocation Money, Targeted Allocation Money, the club’s natural first round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Pick, and the Discovery Priority on a player in exchange for the #1 spot.
