Transfer fee reflects half of his market value
Kai Wagner is set to join Birmingham City. On Friday, the Philadelphia Union, a Major League Soccer club, announced the transfer of the 28-year-old German left-back to Championship side Birmingham City. The deal is reported to be worth €2.5 million along with additional bonuses, which is only half of Wagner’s current market value of €5 million. Wagner has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027/28 season.
“Kai’s contributions to this club over the past seven seasons have been phenomenal,” stated Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell. “He has been a vital part of our success during this time, and we are thankful not only for his unwavering dedication and hard work but also for his strong leadership both on and off the pitch.”
This sentiment might be an understatement according to the Philadelphia Union’s coach. Throughout his tenure with the Union, Wagner has been one of the league’s top chance creators. He was initially signed for a minimal fee from the third-division team Würzburger Kickers in 2019 and has since accumulated ten goals and 54 assists in 253 matches across all competitions for the Philadelphia Union.
Kai Wagner: An elite chance creator for Birmingham City
During Wagner’s time on the field, the Union proved to be one of the most consistent teams in MLS in recent years. Wagner played an integral role in leading the Union to two Supporters’ Shield titles, awarded to the team with the most points in the MLS regular season. Over his time with the club, Wagner’s market value skyrocketed from €500,000 to €5 million, making him one of the most valuable defenders and the top left-back in MLS.
What type of player can Birmingham expect in Wagner? Not only is he one of the best assist providers in MLS, but he also possesses elite chance creation skills. Capable of playing as a left-back or pushing further up the pitch as a wing-back, Wagner excels in transition play. His ability to link up with teammates and deliver accurate crosses makes him a significant threat. It remains to be seen how Wagner will perform in Europe.
