In this episode, Todd and José reflect on their recent interview with Kai Wagner and share their biggest takeaways from the conversation. They then discuss the Union's preseason plans abroad in Spain, before shifting focus back to Clearwater, Florida, where the Union will face SK Sigma Olomouc, FC Nordsjælland, FK Budućnost, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and CF Montréal. The conversation includes what fans should be watching for as the team moves closer to the start of the MLS season. Finally, they break down the Union's first press conference of 2026, where the recurring theme was clear: more signings are coming. What does that messaging actually mean, and how does it fit into the broader picture of this preseason?

Kai Wagner Interview Takeaways: [2:24]

Preseason Preview: Spain & Florida: [15:10]

Overall theme from Union first press conference of 2026: [25:33]

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In this episode, Todd and José sit down with Kai Wagner to reflect on his seven seasons with the Philadelphia Union — from his arrival as a relatively unknown player in 2019 to becoming a key part of the squad. Kai opens up about the challenges of the MLS Is Back Tournament, the highs and near-misses of the 2022 season, and the drama surrounding contract negotiations and coaching transitions. We also discuss fan speculation, life in Birmingham, and the moments he's most proud of during his time in Philly. A must-listen for Union fans and anyone curious about the inside story of one of MLS's most consistent performers.

• Arrival in Philadelphia: Signing in 2019: [3:26]

• MLS Is Back Tournament: Challenges as a new player: [6:20]

• 2022 Season: Reflections on near-success: [11:32]

• 2023 Contract Negotiations: "Pay Kai" and fan influence: [15:12]

• European Rumors: Staying focused amid speculation: [19:29]

• Coaching Changes: Jim Curtin to Bradley Carnell: [21:58]

• Early 2025 Transition: Teammate departures and team mood: [32:45]

• Life in Birmingham: On and off the field: [39:34]

• Legacy in Philly: Favorite moments: [49:23]

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In this episode, Todd and José break down the Philadelphia Union's latest roster news which includes: Alejandro Bedoya re-signing through 2026, Ben Bender earning a contract extension, and Mikael Uhre officially departs for FC Midtjylland. We dive into what these moves mean for the Union's strategy, culture, and direction heading into the 2026 season.

News:

• Ben Bender re-signs through June 2027, with an option for 2028: [2:33]

• Alejandro Bedoya returns for year 11: [9:10]

• Mikael Uhre signs for FC Midtjylland: [21:35]

• Development is an ecosystem rather than a straight line: [31:42]

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After years of rumors linking clubs with Kai Wagner, he finally gets his move back to Europe, with the Philadelphia Union selling him to English Championship side Birmingham City. Todd and José discuss the deal and Wagner's legacy after seven years in Philadelphia, as he'll go down as one of the best players ever for the Union and one of the best left backs in MLS history. They also discuss the Union finalizing a deal for center back Japhet Sery Larsen, who plays for Norwegian top-flight club Brann, and how the Union's roster is shaping up ahead of the 2026 season, which begins in February.

• Kai Wagner Transferred to Birmingham City: [5:44]

• What Is Wagner's Legacy with the Philadelphia Union: [26:06]

• Wagner's Birmingham Debut: [37:22]

• Union Finalizing Deal for Japhet Sery Larsen: [50:18]

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The Philadelphia Union announced the signing of 19-year-old center back Finn Sundstrom from USL Championship side North Carolina FC. Todd shares his thoughts on the move and why it is not only a signing for the future, but one that can impact the present as well. Finally, Todd shares what he was thankful for in 2025.

News:

• Philadelphia Union sign Finn Sundstrom: [1:38]

• What are we thankful for in 2025: [19:34]

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The Philadelphia Union traded away two major pieces of their 2025 Supporters' Shield–winning team, sending Tai Baribo to D.C. United for $4 million and Jakob Glesnes to the LA Galaxy for $1.1 million in General Allocation Money. Todd and José discuss both deals and take a look at what the Union's depth chart looks like as of December 22.

Philadelphia Union acquire a guaranteed $4,000,000 from D.C. United in exchange for forward Tai Baribo: [2:57]

Philadelphia Union acquire a guaranteed $1,100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from LA Galaxy in exchange for defender Jakob Glesnes and the Homegrown Priority of Union Academy forward, Jamir Johnson: [31:45]

Big Picture — What The Union are telling us with these moves: [52:21]

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In what continues to be a busy offseason for the Philadelphia Union, the club learned its Concacaf Champions Cup fate on Tuesday night: they will face Defence Force FC from Trinidad & Tobago, with a potential Round of 16 matchup against Club América and a possible Quarterfinal meeting with Inter Miami if all clubs advance far enough. Todd and José discuss the matchup and take a look at the Union's 2026 schedule. They also cover San Diego FC triggering the purchase option on David Vasquez's loan, goalkeeper George Marks signing a new deal with the Union, and the latest Transfermarkt value updates for Union players. Finally, they react to the latest comments from South Africa National Team coach Hugo Broos, which earn him a spot as the Blunder of the Week.

News:

• San Diego FC Exercise Permanent Trade Option For David Vazquez: [4:15]

• Philadelphia Union Sign Goalkeeper George Marks To New Contract: [13:21]

• Philadelphia Union Draw Defence Force FC in First Round of Concacaf Champions Cup: [19:45]

• 2026 Philadelphia Union Schedule: [40:54]

• Transfermarkt Update: [52:46]

Blunder of The Week:

• Hugo Broos disrespects Mbekezeli Mbokazi's agent, disrespects his move to MLS: [1:03:26]

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Philadelphia Union among teams punished for tampering at youth level: MLS Weekly - The Athletic

Inside the Union's controversial recruitment of top prospect David Vazquez - The Inquirer

The Philadelphia Union finally made it official, announcing the signing of 20-year-old forward Ezekiel Alladoh from IF Brommapojkarna on a three-year deal for a club-record transfer fee of $4.5 million. Todd and José share their thoughts on the move and discuss the Union's end-of-season press conference with Bradley Carnell and Director of Academy and Professional Development Jon Scheer. Topics include plans for Andrew Rick next season, updates on how the club is handling Ernst Tanner's duties while he is on administrative leave, how player contracts will work for the shortened 2027 MLS season, and the Union's preseason plans, once again featuring trips to Spain and Clearwater, Florida.

Philadelphia Union officially announce Ezekiel Alladoh: [4:03]

Handling of player contracts for shortened 2027 MLS season: [14:55]

Philadelphia Union to sign centerback Geiner Martínez from Juventud: [22:41]

Preseason Trips to Spain and Clearwater: [29:22]

Handling of Ernst Tanners Duties: [34:08]

Plans for Andrew Rick next season: [44:48]

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Instagram: @FreeKickPod

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Jose's Social Media:

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