American defender Mark McKenzie will leave Toulouse FC on January 1 to return to his former club Philadelphia Union. The French club confirmed the transfer in an official statement released on Wednesday afternoon.
Toulouse FC said: "Our defender will join his formative club, Philadelphia Union, from January 1." A deal in principle was agreed between the two clubs for a move that was not completed during the summer transfer window. TFC, currently 13th in Ligue 1 with 5 points, did not want to lose a key player without preparation mid-season.
The 27-year-old McKenzie joined Toulouse two years ago and made 72 appearances for Les Violets. A United States international with 30 caps, he also featured at the FIFA World Cup. His contract with Toulouse was set to run until June 2027.
His departure comes as the Toulouse defence, having conceded 9 goals in 5 games, looks to find its footing. It will need to reorganise for the next fixture, a difficult trip to face league leaders Monaco on October 10. This exit accelerates the promotion of young French defender Seny Koumbassa (19), who has already started the last two league matches against Lorient and Le Havre. Sporting director Viktor Bezhani wanted to give him more responsibility, a need heightened by the absence of the injured Rasmus Nicolaisen.
The original report is at L'Equipe Football
