Former Union defender Mark McKenzie is heading back to his original professional team as Philadelphia finalizes the transfer of the U.S. men’s national team player from Toulouse, The Athletic and ESPN reported Tuesday.

Per the ESPN report, the transfer fee is $2.5 million.

McKenzie, 27, will be a Designated Player when he arrives in January 2027, in time for the MLS Sprint Season that is occurring as the league shifts to a summer-spring calendar next year.

The move to bring back McKenzie would be the second time this season the Union signed a former player to a DP deal. Left back Kai Wagner rejoined Philadelphia from Birmingham City.

McKenzie, who came up through the Union’s academy, debuted in 2018 and scored two goals over 59 appearances in all competitions, helping Philadelphia capture the 2020 Supporters’ Shield.

A New York City native, McKenzie in 2021 joined Belgian side Genk, which won the Belgian Cup that year. He remained with Genk, scoring four goals in 104 appearances, until moving in 2024 to Ligue 1 side Toulouse, where he has scored one goal in 59 appearances.

For the USMNT, McKenzie has played in 30 matches, including one during the 2026 World Cup. He played all 90 minutes in the 3-2 group-stage loss to Turkey.

–Field Level Media