Amidst increasing transfer speculation about Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell has weighed in on whether the winger should consider leaving the MLS. Hlongwane has entered the final year of his contract with Minnesota United.
Upon joining the club three years ago, he signed a three-year deal with a year option of extension. The club triggered the option in December 2024, meaning at the end of 2025 he will be a free agent.
However, as reported by FARPost, the club has tabled an offer for a new lengthy deal, but there is interest in the winger from the Bundesliga.
Hlongwane has been impressive since joining Major League Soccer outfit Minnesota United in January 2022. The 24-year-old, formerly with Maritzburg United, has established himself as one of the regular scorers at the club. In 108 matches, he has scored 30 goals while providing 14 assists.
WHAT BRADLEY CARNELL SAID TO BONGOKUHLE HLONGWANE
Asked by FARPost if he should consider listening to other offers and moving away from the MLS, coach Carnell said:
“I don’t know what Bongi wants right now if he is ready to be in new surroundings. Does he want that, to take on that challenge?
“Sometimes, we should not disregard the league. We don’t know what is going to happen. With the World Cup coming to America, there will be movement.
“The league is very competitive and very demanding. It’s a very unique league. There have been a lot of players from abroad, a lot of coaches from abroad and it hasn’t really worked out in their favour.
“So this league is a beast on its own, just talking of the weather, the travel, the budgets, rules and restrictions. There are so many things you have to master as a player, you just don’t have to play.”
Carnell said: “If you can excel here and shine here, I think it can be rewarding. The salaries are getting better and better every year. If you can develop to be a consistent performer in this league, you can get really well rewarded.
“I think that’s one the thing about developing too quickly, you can jump to the next thing or you progress slowly. Look at Xabi Alonso, he could have gone to big clubs in Europe, but he chose to stay and continue. I admire that”
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