Philadelphia Union Sign Danish Defender Japhet Sery Larsen

The Philadelphia Union announced that they have signed Danish defender Japhet Sery Larsen from SK Brann. Larsen, 25, will maintain a contract with the Union through the 2028-2029 season and an option for 2029-2030. He will be added to the Union's active roster following the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa. At that point, he'll occupy an international roster slot on the Union's lineup.

“Japhet is a proactive, forward-thinking center back who brings valuable experience from his time competing in the UEFA Europa League,” said Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell in a Philadelphia Union news release. “His aggressive playing style fits our system well, and we're confident his high soccer IQ and leadership qualities will be valuable assets to the team this season.”

Major League Soccer (MLS) reported that Larsen's acquisition helps the Union fill the center-back vacancy left by Jakob Glesnes's trade to the LA Galaxy.

Larsen has spent the past three seasons competing in Norway's Eliteserien. According to the Union's news release, he made 98 appearances in all competitions for Brann. Larsen scored four goals and contributed to one of the most successful seasons in SK Brann's history. Brann finished as runners-up in the Eliteserien in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and claimed the Norwegian Cup in 2023.

At the continental level, during the 2025 season, Larsen competed in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Salzburg and appeared in three UEFA Europa League group stage matches against Bologna FC, PAOK, and Fenerbahce.

Before joining Brann, Larsen competed for FC Midtjylland and FK Bodø/Glimt. Internationally, he has also represented Denmark at the U16, U17, U18, U19, and U21 levels.