D.C. United signs former Union star Tai Baribo

Baribo, who scored 25 goals the past two seasons for Philadelphia, joins D.C. United on a $4 million Designated Player deal.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Tai Baribo, who scored a total of 25 goals the past two seasons for the Philadelphia Union, has joined D.C. United by way of a $4 million Designated Player deal. Baribo replaces 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke, whose contract option was declined. D.C. United had the worst record in MLS last season at 5-18-11 and failed to make the playoffs for the sixth straight year.

Why it matters

Baribo's move to D.C. United represents a significant roster shakeup for both clubs. Philadelphia is in transition after the departures of top defenders Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes, while D.C. United is hoping Baribo and other new additions can help turn around their fortunes after a dismal 2025 campaign.

The details

Baribo, 28, scored 16 goals for the Union last season as they captured the Supporters' Shield. He will now pair up top with another new addition, 23-year-old Louis Munteanu from Romania. D.C. United has also brought in veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson to shore up a defense that surrendered the most goals in the Eastern Conference in 2025.

  • Baribo scored 25 goals for the Union over the past two seasons.
  • D.C. United and the Union will face off in their MLS opener on Saturday.

The players

Tai Baribo

A 28-year-old striker who scored 25 goals for the Philadelphia Union over the past two seasons before joining D.C. United on a $4 million Designated Player deal.

Christian Benteke

The 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner whose contract option was declined by D.C. United, making way for the arrival of Baribo.

Sean Johnson

A veteran goalkeeper with over 400 MLS appearances who has joined D.C. United to shore up their defense.

Kai Wagner

A former Philadelphia Union defender who led the team in assists in 2025 before moving to Birmingham City in England.

Jakob Glesnes

A former Philadelphia Union defender who was traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

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What they’re saying

“If your team does well, it's no wonder that you're going to be getting a few phone calls. The Union's had a great reputation of hiring good people and great players. It's just a conveyor belt now.”

— Bradley Carnell, Philadelphia Union coach (statenews.net)

“There's a lot of emotion to it for all of us, especially how the last game went for us at home against them. It has to be personal. It's a team that has a target on their back. They were first in the East.”

— Lucas Bartlett, D.C. United defender (statenews.net)

What’s next

D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union will face off in their MLS opener on Saturday in Washington.

The takeaway

Baribo's move from the Union to D.C. United represents a significant roster shakeup for both clubs, with Philadelphia also dealing with the departures of key defenders Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes. The match between the two teams on Saturday will be an emotional reunion for Baribo and a chance for D.C. United to try to end their long playoff drought.