In a press conference Monday, Ernst Tanner detailed his tactical plans for 2019 and how he will define success during his tenure as Sporting Director. He also announced which players from Philadelphia Union’s 2018 roster are out of contract, which players had their options picked up and declined, and whether players were eligible for the waiver draft or the re-entry draft.
Additionally, Tanner announced that Jim Curtin will return as head coach of the Union in 2019 and Curtin himself spoke to the assembled media.
The following players’ contracts are guaranteed for 2019
Andre Blake, Mark McKenzie, Matt Real, Auston Trusty, Brenden Aaronson, David Accam, Alejandro Bedoya, Anthony Fontana, Haris Medunjanin, and CJ Sapong
The following players’ options were picked up for 2019
Jack Elliott, Olivier Mbaizo, Keegan Rosenberry, Ilsinho, Derrick Jones, Fafa Picault, and Cory Burke
This leaves the Union with 17 total players currently signed to the 2019 roster:
Midfielders: Alejandro Bedoya, Anthony Fontana, Haris Medunjanin, Derrick Jones
Attackers: Brenden Aaronson, CJ Sapong, David Accam, Ilsinho, Fafa Picault, Cory Burke
The following players’ options were not picked up for 2019
Jack McGuire, Richie Marquez, Josh Yaro, Marcus Epps, Fabian Herbers, Adam Najem, Jay Simpson, Fabinho.