CHESTER, Pa. — On Tuesday, prior to the Philadelphia Union kicking off their final preseason friendly of 2026, the club announced the permanent transfer of former U.S. youth international forward Agustín Anello, with his contract guaranteed through June 2029.
His transfer from Boston River is guaranteed through the 2028–29 season, with an option for the 2029–30 campaign. Anello will be added to the Union’s active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, according to the club’s press release. No details regarding the transfer fee paid by the Union have been officially reported.
Philadelphia head coach Bradley Carnell spoke about the deal and what Anello brings to the club.
“His development in Europe, combined with his recent breakout in Uruguay, reflects a clear upward trajectory,” Carnell said. “As a domestic player with U.S. Youth National Team experience, he fits our profile well, and we’re excited to welcome him to Philadelphia.”
Anello joins Philadelphia from Uruguay’s top flight, the Liga AUF Uruguaya, after recording six goals and one assist in 14 Clausura matches for Boston River in 2025, while also appearing in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. Anello and current Union forward Bruno Damiani were teammates during their time at Boston River.
While he grew up in the United States, Anello developed in Spain with Cornellà and RCD Espanyol before turning professional with Belgium’s Lommel SK in 2021, where he made 42 appearances. His European career also included a loan to Hajduk Split, helping the club win the 2023 Croatian Cup, followed by stints with Sparta Rotterdam and SC Cambuur in the Netherlands.
Anello, 23, grew up in Miami, Florida, and holds dual citizenship with the United States and Italy. He made his first youth international appearance with the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team in November 2023 against Iraq as part of the U.S. Olympic squad, alongside current Union defender Nathan Harriel.
Anello featured in the 1–1 group-stage draw with Iraq, playing 13 minutes, and three days later logged 16 minutes off the bench in a 1–0 defeat to Morocco.
The transfer gives the Union staff additional options, both off the bench and in starting roles. With Ezekiel Alladoh and Damiani likely to be the primary pairing up top, Anello can slot in as a forward at times and also provide cover as an attacking midfielder, either as a substitute or a spot starter.
As Carnell has emphasized throughout the year, he is looking for flexibility across all areas of the roster, and Anello adds another versatile option for Philadelphia.
Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
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