Club inks new deals with three players to return to Union

CHESTER, Pa. (Dec. 20, 2017) – Philadelphia Union today announced the re-signing of defender Fabinho as well as midfielders Fabian Herbers and Ilsinho. All three are set to return to Philadelphia in 2018 after either being out of contract or option declined following the 2017 MLS campaign. Ilsinho will continue to occupy an international roster slot for Philadelphia.

“As we continue to build our 2018 roster, we are pleased to welcome back Fabinho, Fabian, and Ilsinho,” said Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “Fabinho and Ilsinho provide excellent veteran quality, and Fabian is a young player with lots of potential. We did not want to lose any of them following last season, and we’re happy to reach agreements to have them return to Philadelphia.”

Since coming to MLS, Fabinho has played in 110 matches, which ranks sixth all-time in Philadelphia history. His 102 starts rank fifth all-time in Union history. Among players on the Union’s current roster, the Brazilian trails only Ray Gaddis for most all-time in matches played, matches started and minutes played.

Over his Union tenure, Fabinho has registered two goals and 15 assists. With two assists in the 2017 season, the leftback continued his streak of recording at least two assists in every one of his MLS seasons.

Herbers, 24, was originally selected by the Union in the First Round (sixth overall) in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft on January 14, 2016. He has appeared in 44 matches for Philadelphia in his career, recording four goals and nine assists over two seasons.

In his rookie campaign, Herbers logged over 1,290 minutes played, while earning seven assists. Herbers’ seven helpers were the most by a Philadelphia Union player during the 2016 season.

Meanwhile, Ilsinho has appeared in 52 matches for Philadelphia over two seasons, logging over 3,100 minutes. He has tallied eight goals and seven assists in his time with the Union, including two game-winning goals in 2017.

Before joining Philadelphia, the Brazilian plied his trade most notably for Ukranian giants Shakhtar Donetsk, winning multiple league championships. He also has recorded one cap for the Brazilian National Team, and was part of the Brazilian squad at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The MLS offseason continues with Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft, taking place tomorrow, Thursday, December 21 at 2 p.m. ET.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union re-sign defender Fabinho and midfielders Fabian Herbers and Ilsinho on December 20, 2017. Ilsinho will continue to occupy an international roster slot.

Name: Fabinho

Position: Defender

Height: 5’7”

Weight: 169

Born: March 16, 1985 in Ariquemes, Brazil

Hometown: Ariquemes, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil

Acquired: Philadelphia Union signed defender Fabinho on June 28, 2013. Re-signed on December 20, 2017.

Name: Fabian Herbers

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 170

Born: August 17, 1993 in Ahaus, Germany

Hometown: Ahaus, Germany

Citizenship: Germany

Acquired: Selected by the Philadelphia Union in the First Round (sixth overall) in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft on January 14, 2016. Re-signed on December 20, 2017.

Name: Ilsinho

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 189

Born: October 12, 1985 in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil

Acquired: Philadelphia Union signed midfielder Ilsinho as a Discovery Signing using Targeted Allocation Money on February 24, 2016. Re-signed on December 20, 2017.