Cameroon international defender Olivier Mbaizo has requested a transfer from the Philadelphia Union after his family once again was denied visas, sources briefed on the request told The Athletic.
Mbaizo’s wife and son have been rejected for visas numerous times. They currently live in Cameroon. Mbaizo has now officially submitted a transfer request in the hopes of moving somewhere his family can join him.
The Union understand Mbaizo’s situation and are prepared to work with him to find a resolution, though they would prefer to keep their starting right back until the end of the season.
Mbaizo, 25, has made 100 first-team appearances with the Union, originally coming to the club’s second team in 2018 from Rainbow FC in Cameroon. He has appeared in 17 of the club’s 21 MLS matches this season. He has 12 caps with Cameroon.
Philly sits sixth in a jumbled Eastern Conference, just four points behind second-place Nashville SC, who it faces Wednesday.
The Union announced Tuesday that two-time MLS coach of the year Jim Curtin signed a contract extension through 2026.
(Photo: Brett Davis / USA Today)
