Julián Carranza scores for Philadelphia Union amid Europe transfer interest

What does 2024 hold for Julián Carranza?

The Philadelphia Union forward is one of the most coveted offensive players in the league and has been the subject of interest during Europe’s January transfer window.

“My head is still in Philly,” Carranza said recently. “There’s a lot of talks around, but there’s nothing concrete. So I’m just going to focus on Philly, and if I have to take a decision before the [transfer] window closes, I’ll take it.”

His focus certainly seemed well-placed on Tuesday evening when he opened the scoring for the Union in his first preseason appearance. Jim Curtin’s side played out a 1-1 draw against Austin FC and Carranza got them off to a flying start with a superb near-post finish in the first half.

The 23-year-old scored 11 goals in 23 Games in an injury-affected 2023 MLS campaign. He has hit 23 goals in 52 appearance for the club and has started to attract attention from the major European leagues.

European interest for Carranza

Carranza’s career path is an increasingly popular one. After showing early promise with Banfield in his native Argentina he was snapped up by an ambitious MLS club, Inter Miami. He spent two years in South Florida before making the move to Eastern Conference rivals Philadelphia in 2022.

After four years in MLS he has proved himself to be one of the league’s best all-round strikers, a precious commodity in the transfer market. Carranza is currently signed to a Young Designated Player contract in Philadelphia, thought to be worth $950,000 annually.

Last summer Greek giants Olympiakos offered $7.5 million for his services, a fee that the club swiftly rejected. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Bundesliga side Werder Bremen have also expressed an interest in the past.

Full screen

For now, Philadelphia Union appear intent on keeping Carranza as Jim Curtin looks to mount another assault on MLS Cup. The Eastern Conference is stronger than at any point in recent years with MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew, Suporters’ Shield champions FC Cincinnati and a supercharged Inter Miami to comPete with.

Earlier this month, when asked about his plans for the future, Carranza was non-committal.

“I always have things in mind,” he said. “I always dream of playing [for] the biggest teams. So we’ll see when the time comes to take the decision, and I’ll pick the best one for me and my family.”

Philadelphia Union will kick off their 2024 MLS campaign with the visit of Chicago Fire on 24 February. Viewers around the world can catch every single MLS game exclusively on AppleTV (free trial available)

Follow the latest MLS news on AS USA.