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Union transfer defensive stalwart Kai Wagner to Birmingham City

By Thomson Reuters Jan 2, 2026 | 6:17 PM

After seven seasons anchoring Philadelphia’s back line, the Union transferred defender Kai Wagner ‍to Birmingham City in the EFL Championship on Friday.

Wagner, a 28-year-old Germany native who stacked up eight goals and 56 assists ‌during his Union tenure, ‌helped Philadelphia finish first in the MLS regular-season standings twice and reach one MLS Cup final. He’ll join ​Birmingham City in the middle of their season.

“The contributions ‍Kai has made ​to this club over ​the last seven seasons have been ‍nothing short of exceptional,” Union coach Bradley Carnell said in a statement.

“At this time, we are honoring Kai’s wishes to ‍continue his career in Europe, as he feels this is the right ‍step ‍for him and his ​family. We wish him ​all ⁠the best and know ‌he will continue to find success.”

Wagner earned MLS All-Star honors three times and twice was named to the league’s Best XI side.

–Field ⁠Level Media