Philadelphia Union Sign Defender Jakob Glesnes Norwegian National Team center back and former Captain of Norwegian club Stromsgodset Toppfotball Joins Union

CHESTER, Pa. (Jan. 31, 2020) – Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed defender Jakob Glesnes from Stromsgodset Toppfotball to a two-year contract with a club option for a third and fourth year using Targeted Allocation Money in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 25-year-old will be added to the Union’s active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa and will occupy an international roster slot.

"To become a captain of a club at 25-years-old is a remarkable feat for a young player and what attracted us to Jakob in addition to his strong aerial presence and front-foot defense,” said Ernst Tanner, Philadelphia Union Sporting Director. “Coming from a club with a similar style of play, Jakob will be able to easily transition into our system, making him a valuable asset to our defense and club.”

Glesnes comes to Philadelphia from the first-tier Norwegian league, Eliteserien, where he captained Stromsgodset Toppfotball. Joining Stromsgodset IF in 2016, Glesnes made 30 appearances in the 2018/19 season, contributing three assists in that time and has totaled three goals and seven assists in 113 matches overall for the club. Additionally, he played in three NM-Cup matches.

Previously, Glesnes played for First Division club Asane in 2015 before joining first-tier club Sarpsborg 08, making his debut in March 2016. His first appearance for the Norway’s Men’s U21 national team came on October 7, 2016 and he was called up to represent the senior Norway Men’s National Team in October 2019.

Off the field, Glesnes has been recognized for his community work and commitment to youth soccer. He was named Norwegian soccer’s Role Model of the Year and Stromsgodset’s Community Player of the Year in 2017 for his work with community youth soccer program, Blue Hour.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender Jakob Glesnes using Targeted Allocation Money on January 31, 2020. He will be added to the active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.

Name: Jakob Glesnes

Position: Defender

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 185 lbs

Born: March 25, 1994

Hometown: Sotra, Norway

Citizenship: Norway

Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign defender Jakob Glesnes on January 31, 2020.

Previous Experience: Stromsgodset IF (2016-2020), Sarpsborg 08 (2015-2016) and Asane Football (2015-2016)