CHESTER, Pa.—After the departure of Jakob Glesnes to LA Galaxy, the big question for the Philadelphia Union was who would fill that massive hole at center back left by the former MLS Defender of the Year. The Union have been answering that question recently by acquiring Finn Sundstrom from North Carolina FC (by way of a waiver technicality with DC United) and now Danish center back Japhet Sery Larsen from Norwegian side SK Brann on a permanent transfer. He is signed through the 2028-2029 season with an option for the 2029-2030 season, and will occupy an international roster spot. He holds citizenship in both Denmark and Cote d’Ivoire.

Sery Larsen, 25, was at SK Brann since 2023, and had a stint there previously in 2021 before he moved to FK Bodø/Glimt. At SK Brann, he had 98 total appearances with four goals. He also had caps with the Danish youth national team at various levels. At 6’1″ and 172 pounds, the experienced center back should be a strong presence on the back line.

“Japhet is a proactive, forward-thinking center back who brings valuable experience from his time competing in the UEFA Europa League,” said Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell in the Union’s press release. “His aggressive playing style fits our system well, and we’re confident his high soccer IQ and leadership qualities will be valuable assets to the team this season.”

The depth chart on the back line has been in flux the last few weeks. South African Olwethu Makhanya, who had a remarkable first season at the MLS level, and talented 18 year old Neil Pierre, who is still early in his development according to Union head coach Bradley Carnell, were left as the only natural center backs on the current roster.

Nathan Harriel, the Swiss Army knife of the squad, has shown that he could play center back well as he stepped into that role several times in 2025, along with right back (and can plug in most everywhere it seems), but with the departure of arguably the best left back in MLS in Kai Wagner to Birmingham City, the back line was starting to look pretty thin—and very young. 2026 could very well be a chance for Harriel to really step up as a leader, coupled with the indispensable leadership and skill of Andre Blake—as long as he stays healthy.

Right back Frankie Westfield, who frequently platooned with Harriel and had a breakout first season in MLS, was an MLS Next Pro Best XI at left back in 2024 while with Union II, and could slide back into that role. Olivier Mbaizo, who did not see nearly as much action in 2025, is added depth at right back.

Adding to that is the recent acquisition of Sundstrom, who not only can play center back, but has played as an attacking midfielder and shows a lot of versatility and potential. Coupled with that is the not-yet-official-but-seems-like-a-done-deal signing of Geiner Martinez, a Colombian center back from Uruguayan side Juventud.

With the added competitions in 2026 in Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup, having players to rotate in would be key, and a player like Sery Larsen, who has a bit more experience, could be a valuable piece.

Main article photo credit: Philadelphia Union