Chester – The Philadelphia Union announced today that Union Academy forward Malik Jakupovic has signed a professional contract with Union II. The 6’3″ 15 year old from Sterling Heights, Michigan, who has dual USA/Bosnia-Herzegovina citizenship has been a standout with the Academy since joining in 2023, has featured with the U15, U16, and U18 Academy squads. Jakupovic has been called to the USYNT U16 camp multiple times, most recently in April.
He also featured in the Generation Adidas Cup with the U18s. In 2025, he was named to the “Rising XI” for the GA Cup. In his article on the Rising XI, Travis Clark had this to say about Jakupovic:
“The Union striker profiles as a classic No. 9: he’s big, moves well and is a presence in the penalty area. Getting on the end of chances and finishing them off are Jakupovic’s specialties, as he is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in MLS NEXT. He has improved significantly over the past year and is knocking on the door of playing a role in MLS NEXT Pro, while also earning call-ups to the US U16 national team. The bulk of his minutes have recently come with the U18 age group, as he is at a point where he can bully defenders his own age.”
While Jakupovic apparently played in a Union II preseason match with Tampa Bay Rowdies in February and scored a goal, according to his Instagram (the game and stats were not made available to the public or media), he has yet to be in a regular Union II match. Most recently, he played in Union II’s friendly against Ocean City Nor’easters on May 16, where he played the second half.
On the signing, Union II head coach Ryan Richter remarked, “Malik brings an undeniable presence in the box and has been a consistent threat in front of the goal at the Academy level. We’re excited to help him take the next step as he transitions into the Union II environment.”
Main article photo credit: Philadelphia Union II
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