PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Union announced on Tuesday the club had acquired Finn Sundstrom via transfer from North Carolina FC and signed him to a contract through the 2028 Major League Soccer season with club options for 2029 and 2030.

In order to complete the transaction, the Union acquired Sundstrom’s rights from D.C. United in exchange for the club’s natural first-round selection in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft after D.C. selected the player off Waivers.

Sundstrom joins the Union after a standout first full season with NCFC in the USL Championship. The 19-year-old was a finalist for the league’s Young Player of the Year award after recording 29 appearances and 2,543 minutes of action for the club, leading North Carolina with 28 blocked shots and ranking second with 111 clearances and 27 tackles won at a 71.1 percent success rate.

“Finn is a young versatile defender who aligns well with our playing philosophy,” said Philadelphia Union Head Coach, Bradley Carnell. “At just 19 years old, he has demonstrated the toughness and mentality we value at the Union, as well as the ability to adapt to different styles of play. We look forward to continuing his development.”

Sundstrom made his professional debut on September 8, 2024, against Oakland Roots SC and enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, where he also logged one goal, one assist and completed 828 passes at a 81.7 percent success rate. Sundstrom also ranked fourth on the team winning 107 duels at a 59.4 percent success rate.

Internationally, Sundstrom received his first call-up to a U.S. Youth National Team camp, joining the U-20s in August. Sundstrom joined the NCFC Academy at age 11 and progressed through every level from the U-12s to the U-19s.