Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From Philadelphia Union
CHESTER, Pa. (July 5, 2018) – Philadelphia Union announced today that they have exercised the 2019 contract option of midfielder Haris Medunjanin (pronounced: Harris Meh-DOON-yuh-nihn). Medunjanin, 33, has been a consistent presence in the Union midfield since his arrival ahead of the 2017 season, scoring three goals and adding 13 assists over 48 regular-season appearances (all starts).
“Haris Medunjanin is an integral part of our team, both on the field and in the locker room,” said Earnie Stewart, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director. “His technical ability and vision on the ball are among the finest in MLS, and the importance of his veteran presence in assisting our young players cannot be understated.”
Medunjanin became one of five players in Union history to start all 34 games of a 34-game season when he achieved the feat in 2017. His 12 assists in that 2017 campaign are tied for the second-most by any one player over a single season in team history.
A veteran of world soccer, Medunjanin has made over 350 club appearances across the span of his career, which has seen him play in the Netherlands, Spain, Israel and Turkey, in addition to the United States. He has made 66 appearances in La Liga, Spain’s topflight, in addition to 57 in the Dutch Eredivisie. Additionally, he has played in over 30 UEFA Europa League matches.
For his national team, Medunjanin earned 60 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina, scoring nine goals, before retiring from international play earlier this year. He appeared in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, making two appearances in the group stage, against Argentina and Nigeria. Prior to playing for Bosnia, he was a part of the Netherlands youth system, helping the Dutch squad win the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2006 and 2007.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union exercise 2019 contract option on midfielder Haris Medunjanin on July 5, 2018
Name: Haris Medunjanin (pronounced: Harris Meh-DOON-yuh-nihn)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 183
Born: March 8, 1985 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hometown: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Citizenship: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Acquired: Philadelphia Union signed midfielder Haris Medunjanin using Targeted Allocation Money on January 31, 2017
Previous Experience: Maccabi Tel Aviv (2016-2017), Deportivo La Coruna (2014-2016), Gaziantepspor (2012-2014), Maccabi Tel Aviv (2010-2013), Valladolid (2008-2010), Sparta Rotterdam (2006-2007), AZ Alkmaar (2004-2008)
