German left back Kai Wagner signs with Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union added another outside back to their defensive corps on Wednesday with the signing of 21-year-old German left back Kai Wagner.

Wagner comes to the Union via Würzburger Kickers in the third tier of German football, where he has made 44 appearances in all competitions since his transfer from Schalke 04 II in 2017.

“We are delighted to complete Kai’s signing as he is an up-and-coming and very physical left fullback with high ability and even further potential,” Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director, said in a news release. “Kai has joined us in Clearwater and we look forward to introducing him to his new teammates and integrating him as quickly as possible.”

Wagner’s signing gives the Union 25 players on the roster for 2019 and as things currently stand all eight of their international roster spots filled. That number could change with pending green cards for Jack Elliott, Cory Burke or Haris Medunjanin.

He gives the Union three left backs on the roster and whether he wins the starting job or not, he’s expected to get minutes when Matthew Real is expected to be away at the U20 World Cup.

Raymon Gaddis started the majority of the games at left back last season (Real made three starts, Fabinho eight) but Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said previously that he prefers Gaddis at his natural right back position.