(Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images)

D.C. United acquired All-Star striker Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday in exchange for up to $4.6 million.

Philadelphia receives $4 million guaranteed and up to $600,000 more if certain incentives are reached by the 27-year-old Israeli international.

Baribo has signed a five-year deal with D.C. United as a designated player, running through the 2029-30 MLS season.

'We are very pleased to bring in a top player like Tai to bolster our roster heading into the 2026 MLS season,' said Dr. Erkut Sogut, D.C.'s managing director of soccer operations. 'Tai is a clinical finisher and a proven goal scorer in the league who will give us an edge in the final third.

'Beyond goals, he understands how to create space and is deadly in the air, making him a perfect fit for the identity we are building at the club. We are thrilled to welcome him to the nation's capital.'

Baribo topped Philadelphia with 19 goals across all competitions in 2025 and helped the Union win the Supporters' Shield.

He registered 35 goals and six assists in 67 appearances since joining the Union from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in August 2023.

'We want to thank Tai for his contributions to the club. Tai is a true professional and gave everything he had during his time here,' said Union head coach Bradley Carnell.

'At this time, we believe this move is in the best interest of both the club and player. This provides financial opportunities to continue to invest in the team this offseason while providing space for emerging talent on our roster. It also allows Tai to continue the next phase in his career. We wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter of his career.'

Baribo arrives in Washington less than a month after the club declined its option for 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke. The United scored a league-low 30 goals and finished at the bottom of the league table with 26 points (5-18-11) in 2025.

--Field Level Media