Nathan Harriel signs contract with Union through 2028-29 season
The versatile defender was in the first of two option years in a deal he signed in 2023. The team has an option for the 2029-30 season.
Nathan Harriel has often been the best player on the field in Union games this year. That hasn’t always been a good thing for the team overall, but it’s a reminder of his importance to the club.
That importance was reinforced Wednesday when Harriel signed a new contract. The versatile defender is now guaranteed through the 2028-29 season, with a team option for 2029-30. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Harriel was in the first of two option years in a deal he signed in 2023 that guaranteed him through 2025. Now his future is settled.
“Nate has established himself as an essential piece of our backline over the past five years,” Union interim sporting director Jon Scheer said in a statement. “His versatility, competitiveness, and dedication have been vital to the team’s success, and his emergence as a leader both on and off the field has been significant. We look forward to his continued impact and the important role he will play in the years ahead.”
Harriel has played 148 games for the Union since joining the first team in 2021. This season, the 24-year-old from Oldsmar, Fla. has played in nine of 10 games, and as ever has played a range of positions: right back, left back, and centerback.
“It’s really special to be at one club for such a long time,” Harriel said. “I’m not from Philadelphia originally, but this feels like a second home. If you’d told me seven years ago that I’d be at this point in my life right now, as a kid from Florida, I would probably say you’re insane. … But I’m truly grateful, truly blessed, to be able to continue my time here.”
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He has also made an impact with the U.S. national team over the last few years. Harriel was a starter on the 2024 Olympic team, and last year he earned three senior-squad caps. Although he was always a long shot to make the World Cup team, it was nice that manager Mauricio Pochettino praised his work ethic and versatility.