Baribo’s Journey: From Philadelphia to D.C. United

The offseason in Philadelphia has been anything but ordinary. The Union, known for their strategic dealings, typically excel at developing talent for future sales. However, their decision to sign Israeli forward Tai Baribo in 2023 raised eyebrows. The Union invested approximately $1.5 million in Baribo, securing him with a contract until 2025, with an option for 2026. Despite his successful track record in the Austrian Bundesliga, Baribo seemed to defy the Union’s model of acquiring players primarily for resale.

“Tai has proven himself to be an incredibly dangerous and productive striker. We are continuously looking to enhance the quality of our roster, and having one of the top scorers in the Austrian league join us will help build on the success of this team,” stated Sporting Director Ernst Tanner following Baribo’s signing.

As the 2025 season unfolded, it became a pivotal year for Baribo, who delivered performances that far exceeded his reported $810,000 salary, finishing among MLS’s top goalscorers and establishing himself as the league’s most effective No. 9 for much of the year. Although a late-season slump affected his statistics, it did not diminish his overall quality.

Consequently, Baribo sought a pay increase that reflected his contributions. However, the Philadelphia Union was unwilling to meet his expectations. Recognizing he might need to move on, Baribo began exploring new options. “It’s not that I didn’t know what was happening. I faced a difficult situation in Philly. They either didn’t want to or couldn’t pay me. I am unsure of the circumstances there,” Baribo explained.

Thus, Baribo entered the open market, where he understood that any potential trade would need to be financially beneficial for the Union. D.C. United emerged as a compelling option. As four-time MLS Cup champions, the club was undergoing a rebuild, with new Chief Soccer Officer Dr. Erkut Sogut and head coach René Weiler at the helm. Despite recent disappointing seasons, D.C. emphasized to Baribo that he would be the cornerstone of their rebuilding efforts.

“Initially, they told me that I was the player they wanted to sign first as they planned to build the team around me,” Baribo noted. To solidify their commitment, D.C. United designated him as a designated player, reportedly doubling his salary, and offering him a guaranteed contract through the 2029 season, in addition to paying the Union $4 million.

Baribo expressed cautious optimism about his new contract: “[The contract] is a good start,” he said with a smile, while remaining aware that the team needed to uphold their commitment. “They mentioned they wanted to succeed and invest. Many teams make similar claims.”

D.C. United’s willingness to invest did not end with Baribo. They also acquired Louis Munteanu from Romanian side CFR Cluj for a club-record $7 million, potentially rising to $10 million with incentives. Munteanu’s skills are expected to complement Baribo’s, as he can operate effectively on the wing or as a second striker. This partnership, along with new signings like Keisuke Kurokawa at left back, Caden Clark in midfield, and center-back Nikola Markovic from the MLS SuperDraft, signals a concerted effort to strengthen the team.

Baribo is cognizant of the weighty expectations that come with his role, particularly in light of his predecessor Christian Benteke’s legacy, who won the 2024 MLS Golden Boot and nearly reached 100 goals in his D.C. tenure before departing for the UAE Pro League. “Pressure? It’s a privilege. Soccer is my life. Winning or losing a game is not life or death, but I appreciate the good pressure that comes with it. Everything is relative,” Baribo remarked.

His perspective is shaped by a personal history; having lost his mother at a young age in Israel, he views the pressures of soccer through a broader lens. “I grew up in a country where there is ongoing conflict, and everyone I met has experienced loss. At the end of the day, being healthy and having a healthy family is what truly matters.”

With soccer on the horizon, Baribo is aware of the task ahead. D.C. United finished last in MLS last season, securing only 26 points and winning a mere five games. However, Baribo has experience with teams that have faced skepticism. The Union, considered underdogs, defied expectations by winning the Eastern Conference last year.

“In Philly, we were ranked 27th or 28th at the start of the season, which created pressure to perform. We delivered,” Baribo reflected. He hopes to replicate that success in Washington. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Baribo is focused on setting personal goals, albeit confidentially. Under Weiler’s guidance, the team aims for an aggressive playing style that aligns with Baribo’s strengths. “He emphasized a desire for an offensive approach, which suits my game. I am committed to making it work.”

Baribo recognizes that rebuilding takes time, even with significant investment and new talent. “It’s a lengthy process. Building a new team requires patience if you aim for sustained success. We don’t want just one good season; we need multiple successful seasons,” he stated.

While challenges lie ahead, Baribo is determined to succeed and has earned the trust of D.C. United. With hope restored, the path forward may indeed yield positive results.