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Philadelphia Union Set to Land Defender From European League: 'All Agreed'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Feb 14, 2026 4:49 PM ET

Philadelphia Union is close to signing an African defender who plays in Sweden's first division, according to reports.

The MLS club is interested in left back Philippe Ndinga, who plays for Degerfors, as revealed by The Athletic's Tom Bogert.

"Sources: Philadelphia Union closing in on deal to sign left back Philippe Ndinga from Swedish club Degerfors. Expressen 1st," Bogert wrote on X (Twitter). "Ndinga, 20, would be a U-22 initiative signing for an emerging defender. Deal all agreed."

Sources: Philadelphia Union closing in on deal to sign left back Philippe Ndinga from Swedish club Degerfors. Expressen 1st.

Ndinga, 20, would be U-22 initiative signing for emerging defender. Deal all agreed. pic.twitter.com/lwOwUm8BoJ
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 13, 2026

Who Is Philadelphia Union Target Philippe Ndinga?

Ndinga, 20, was born in Gabon but holds citizenship in Congo. He began his career at the Pau FC academy in France, before moving to Dunkerque's youth team in 2023 and to Valenciennes B in 2024, according to Transfermarkt.

Last summer, he signed for his current club, Degerfors. During the 2025 season, Ndinga made 10 appearances in Allsvenskan (Sweden's league), starting in all matches. He recorded one goal, 1.7 interceptions per game, 4.8 tackles per game, 5.1 ball recoveries per game, and 2.4 clearances per game, according to SofaScore.

Players of Philadelphia Union pose for a team photo prior to the Conference Semifinal match between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC as part of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs at Subaru Park on November 23, 2025, in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

What Is Next for Philadelphia Union?

The 2026 Major League Soccer season is about to begin, but the Union will first have to take on a Concacaf Champions Cup commitment against Defence Force FC on Feb. 18 (first leg).

They will begin their new MLS campaign as visitors on Feb. 21 against D.C. United, and on Feb. 26 they will play the second leg against Defence Force FC to determine which team advances to the tournament's round of 16.

Their first home match in the league will take place on March 1 against New York City FC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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