Philadelphia Union signs a rising star who shattered records | OneFootball

Philadelphia Union continues to invest in its homegrown talent as a competitive advantage, and the newest piece of that puzzle is Eddy Davis III. At 18 years old, the forward has shown a strong goal-scoring instinct and joins the first team with impressive credentials. Signed through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029.

The young forward led Philadelphia Union II in MLS NEXT Pro 2024 with 13 goals, setting a club record. And that’s not all, Davis became the first player in team history to be named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month three times in a single season. This doesn’t happen by chance. When a player consistently stands out at the development level, transitioning to the first team becomes a matter of time. Now, the challenge is proving he can maintain that impact in MLS.

Philadelphia Union’s DNA and the impact of Davis III

Davis is the third homegrown player to sign with Union this offseason, reinforcing a path the club has successfully followed in recent years. He joins defenders Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield, both also promoted from the Union’s youth system.

Throughout the club’s history, Union has integrated 28 homegrown players into the first team. This is not just a roster strategy but a business model and a part of the club’s identity. Ernst Tanner, the club’s sporting director, directly praised the striker’s potential.

"Eddy took a big step in his growth and development last year, proving to be a relentless forward. His ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset. He has the mentality and passion we look for in young players and is an excellent example of the strong talent we continue to develop within our system."

The journey of Davis III

Eddy Davis III’s path has some interesting turns. Before shining for Philadelphia Union II, he played for Red Bulls II, the developmental team of New York Red Bulls. In August 2022, he transferred to Philadelphia on a free move.

That decision turned out to be a success for both sides. At Union II, Davis found a system that maximized his strengths and quickly became the team’s top scorer in MLS NEXT Pro. His consistent performances and individual awards showed he was ready to take the next step.

Now, the big challenge will be adjusting to the first team’s level of play. The spaces are tighter, opponents are more experienced, and the margin for error is much smaller. Still, if Union followed its philosophy and promoted Davis, it’s because they see his potential to contribute this season.