Chester – The Philadelphia Union announced today that they have acquired forward Milan Iloski on a permanent transfer from Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland, signing a contract through 2027 with an option for 2028. He will join the active roster following receipt of his international transfer certificate, and will wear the number 32. The move adds considerable striker depth to the current Supporters’ Shield leading side as they make their final push in the season.

The 26-year-old Escondido, California native came up through the Real Salt Lake Academy, and spent time with Golden State Force and Ogden City SC. He played three seasons at UCLA, where he had three goals and six assists in 46 appearances. He was signed as a homegrown by RSL in 2020 and debuted on loan with Real Monarchs. From 2022-2023 he played for USL Championship side Orange County SC, where he had 43 goals and 11 assists in 70 appearances, and earned the league’s Golden Boot in 2022.

Iloski signed with FC Nordsjælland in 2024, and then was loaned to first-year MLS club San Diego FC in April 2025. At San Diego, he made 14 appearances, including three starts, but made quite the splash during that time. He registered 10 goals and one assist during that time, including a mind-boggling four goals in a 12-minute span against Vancouver Whitecaps in June. That feat was an MLS record for the fastest four-goal performance in league history.

Iloski’s loan to San Diego ended on July 15 after he and the club mutually agreed to its termination, returning him to FC Nordsjælland. The Union took the top waiver position from CF Montreal to claim Iloski. In exchange, Montreal got the 21st position in the waiver order, a guaranteed $100,000 in GAM, and possibly an extra $150,000 in conditional GAM.

From the Union’s press release:

“Milan is a dynamic, instinctive goal scorer who thrives in attacking transition,” said Ernst Tanner, Sporting Director, Philadelphia Union. “His ability to convert goal chances is extraordinary and he has a willingness to defend. We look forward to integrating him into the team quickly.”

With key matches approaching for the Union as they look to keep atop the standings and make a run at the Shield and MLS Cup, it could prove to be a very fortuitous signing. From various reports circulating, the positive relationship between San Diego and the Union seems to have played a part, and the loaning of David Vazquez to San Diego makes even more sense now. Also, with Mikael Uhre being out of contract at the end of the season, he could be a replacement for the Danish striker.

The Union take on Toronto FC this Saturday, August 9, at Subaru Park (7:30 PM/MLS Season Pass on AppleTV), where Iloski could make his debut for the Blue and Gold. Ernst Tanner has been hitting on his moves this season, and it will be interesting to see how this one plays out as the Union battles it out for league supremacy.

Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union.