Union complete signing of midfielder Danley Jean Jacques from FC Metz

The Philadelphia Union announced on Thursday the signing of midfielder Danley Jean Jacques from FC Metz to a contract through 2026 with options for 2027 and 2028. The club will send $100k GAM to the Portland Timbers for Jean Jacques’ discovery rights.

Philadelphia Union sign Danley Jean Jacques

Jean Jacques, 24, is a defensive midfielder from Haiti who most recently played for FC Metz of Ligue 2, the second-tier league in France. While FC Metz was in Ligue 1 during 2023-24, Jean Jacques appeared in 33 matches for a total of 2,688 minutes and recorded one assist. He had an expected goals (xG) total of 2.89 while recording 34 shots with five on target. He won 28 tackles for a tackles won percentage of 51.9%, recorded 44 interceptions, and 126 recoveries. 

Before joining the French side, Jean Jacques played for Don Bosco FC in Haiti and made 52 appearances while scoring seven goals. He joined the reserves of FC Metz in 2021 and made 15 appearances before signing his professional contract in 2022.

While representing Haiti at the national level, Jacques was called up to the senior team in 2022 for the first time. He has appeared for Haiti ranging from the U-17 level, all the way up to the senior team. He played in five matches for the Haitian senior team in 2023 and scored one goal.

In a statement released by the Union, Sports Director Ernst Tanner said, “We are excited to welcome Danley to the Philadelphia Union. He is a versatile player in the midfield and has proven himself in a top league. He is a quick, physical player who fits our style of play and has the ability to make an immediate impact.”

Jean Jacques’ signing provides numerous benefits to the Union. He can occupy numerous roles in the midfield, improves squad depth, fills a need that will be missing with a potentially departing Alejandro Bedoya, and brings experience from the top level of French football.

If Jean Jacques’ International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa are completed before August 14 at 11:59 p.m., he can be added to the Union’s roster for Leagues Cup.

The Union take on CF Montréal on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the round of 32 of Leagues Cup.

Image Credit: Philadelphia Union