Fee half his market value 

Who is Birmingham signing Kai Wagner? Elite chance creator for Philadelphia Union

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Kai Wagner is headed to Birmingham City. On Friday, Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union announced that they have transferred the 28-year-old German left-back to Championship side Birmingham City. Transfermarkt understands that the deal is worth €2.5 million plus add-ons. The initial fee is only half of Wagner’s market value of €5m. Wagner has signed a contract through the end of the 2027/28 season.

“The contributions Kai has made to this club over the last seven seasons have been nothing short of exceptional,” said Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell. “He has been a crucial piece of this team’s success over the past seven seasons, and we remain grateful not only for his consistent dedication and hard work, but also for his staunch leadership qualities both on and off the field.”

That might be an understatement by the Philadelphia Union head coach. Throughout his time with the Union, Wagner was one of the most productive chance creators in MLS. Signed for a minimal fee from third division side Würzburger Kickers in 2019, Wagner scored ten goals and 54 assists in 253 games across all competitions for the Philadelphia Union.

Kai Wagner: Birmingham City receive elite chance creator

With Wagner on the pitch, the Union were one of the most consistent MLS teams over the last few years. Wagner helped lead the Union to the Supporters’ Shield twice, awarded to the team with the most points after the MLS regular season. During his time with the club, Wagner increased his market value from €500,000 to €5m, which made him one of the most valuable defenders in MLS and the most valuable left-back.

What sort of player will Birmingham get in Wagner? Wagner is not only one of the best direct assist providers in MLS, but his chance creation is also elite. Capable of playing both as a left-back and further up the pitch as a wing-back, Wagner is incredibly strong in the transition game. Indeed, it is his link-up play and cross delivery that make him dangerous. It now remains to be seen whether Wagner can deliver in Europe.