A couple of days after it was reported that New York Red Bulls' Academy product and one of the brighter prospects in the latest crop of college players, Adam Najem, had effectively been traded to Philadelphia Union.
If his Homegrown Player rights were indeed acquired by the Union, no announcement has been made yet to that effect by either Philly or RBNY. But reporters on the Union beat have spotted Najem at the club's preseason training. And Philly head coach Jim Curtin has said the player is on trial.
Fafa Picault was training with the Union today, Jim Curtin confirms. On trial
— Matthew De George (@sportsdoctormd) January 24, 2026
Adam Najem also in the group Curtin says.
— Matthew De George (@sportsdoctormd) January 24, 2026
Both Picault and Najem are on trial Curtin says.
— Matthew De George (@sportsdoctormd) January 24, 2026
Trialists: Adam Najem, Fafa Picault
— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) January 24, 2026
Fitness/training: Oguchi Onyewu
A trial is not the same as a signing, but it's a sign of intent for sure. Philly and Najem are sounding each other out. What RBNY gains by losing its Homegrown prospect will presumably be revealed when and if a deal is done for the player to join the Union.
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