The Philadelphia Union on Wednesday received $4 million in cash from D.C. United for the services of forward Tai Baribo. It’s the second time this week that the Union parted ways with a veteran member of the core that delivered the Supporters’ Shield, with center back Jakob Glesnes headed to the LA Galaxy in a trade on Tuesday. The Union weren’t prepared to made a financial commitment like D.C. United did for Baribo, trumpeting a “total transaction value of the trade, including player compensation, exceeds $15 million for D.C. United, a clear investment in the club’s future success.” That includes a designated player contract, which the Union were unlikely to give him, and up to an additional $600,000 if performance metrics are met. The soon-to-be 28-year-old Israeli striker was the Union’s leading scorer in 2025, but he was entering the final option year of his contract. “We want to thank Tai for his contributions to the club. Tai is a true professional and gave everything he had during his time here,” Union head coach Bradley Carnell said in a press release. “At this time, we believe this move is in the best interest of both the club and player. This provides financial opportunities to continue to invest in the team this offseason while providing space for emerging talent on our roster. It also allows Tai to continue the next phase in his career. We wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter of his career.” Baribo was signed in the summer of 2023. He didn’t play for most of the first year in town, then exploded when forced into the lineup. In 44 league games since his first start, he’s scored 25 MLS goals. It’s 37 goals in 57 appearances in all competitions since that first start in June 2024, including MLS All-Star Game MVP in 2025 and the 2024 Leagues Cup Golden Boot. Baribo was immensely valuable to the Union last year, scoring 16 goals in MLS, plus the club’s second ever multi-goal game in the playoffs for 19 goals and five assists in all competitions. But twice since he arrived, the Union have broken the club’s franchise transfer record on transfers, with Bruno Damiani last February and this month’s capture of Ezekiel Alladoh. Baribo was slated to begin the season fighting for his starting job against those players. The trade leaves the Union with 22 players under contract for 2026. The Union’s Tai Baribo celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS playoff match against the Chicago Fire on Nov. 1. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) ...read more read less