CHESTER, Pa. (February 8, 2019) — The Philadelphia Union went fishing for a new Designated Player. Now, it seems they caught a big fish. The club announced the signing of Mexican international star, Marco Fabián as a designated player.
Union Sign Marco Fabian as a Designated Player
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder joins the Union from Eintract Frankfurt of the German Bundesliga.
“We have been targeting Marco as a creative midfielder and we are extremely happy to complete this deal to bring him to Philadelphia,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a press release.
“Marco is a high caliber number 10, a true professional, and we believe he is a good fit for our system,” Tanner continued. “He has played the game at the highest levels, whether in the German Bundesliga or of course with the Mexican National Team at multiple FIFA World Cups and the Olympic Games. We are looking forward to welcoming Marco as we turn our attention to the final phase of our preseason in Clearwater, followed by the season opener on March 2 vs. Toronto FC.”
Fabián originally came through the Chivas Guadalajara academy and squad where he starred, earned appearances with the Mexican National Team. He then moved on to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Fabián played 43 matches for Frankfurt since his move there in January 2016. He’s scored eight goals and notched seven assists. In addition to Frankfurt and Chivas, he’s appeared for the Mexican National Team 42 times and scored nine goals.
Somos Philly @PhilaUnion pic.twitter.com/z0ldWys4vg
— Marco Fabián (@MarcoFabian_10) February 9, 2019
Final Thoughts
This move for the Philadelphia Union is a move that many have been pining for within their community. Both the fanbase and beat writers have questions why the franchise has been run like a “moneyball” team.
The move should certainly dispel any moneyball notions at this point, as Fabián is a well-proven commodity, and an incredibly solid acquisition. Fabián will more than adequately replace Dockal, who for my money was one of the best number 10’s in the league last year. Fabián will bring more of a goalscoring threat. He’ll also be an aggressive, penetrative presence into the attack for the Union.
It’s not only a defining move for the Union, but a massive move for the league in terms of exposure. Both the Dos Santos brothers and Carlos Vela have brought Mexican intrigue into the LA sides. Meanwhile, Pelado Almeyda is a rockstar in San Jose prior to even playing a game.
However, the move may end up being more similar to Cuahtemoc Blanco and his impact on the Chicago Fire. If Fabián is remotely like Blanco, Union fans are going to be extremely happy with their new star man.
Main Photo: YEKATERINBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 27, 2018: Mexico’s Marco Fabian in the 2018 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group F football match against Sweden at Ekaterinburg Arena Stadium. Sergei Bobylev/TASS (Photo by Sergei Bobylev\TASS via Getty Images)
