Andre Blake Signs New Contract, Likely Out for Saturday's Game Against Charlotte

The three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year signed a new deal with the Union, but it will be a bit longer until he's back on the field.

Andre Blake’s long-term future with the Philadelphia Union is settled.

The three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year inked a new deal with the club that is guaranteed through 2026 with a club option for 2027.

“A big day at the club to have Andre Blake sign a new contract here,” Union manager Jim Curtin said on Thursday. “It’s much deserved for Andre. The best goalkeeper in all of MLS will continue to play here in Philadelphia, where he has won us a ton of games through the years.”

“It’s been amazing to watch Andre grow both on the field and off the field as a father, player. His leadership has increased and his voice in the locker room has become so powerful. I think does things in such an impressive, professional, humble way that makes me very proud as one of the leaders of this group. He, along with Ale and Jakob, have been the voices in the locker room this year.

“He’s an exemplary player and someone who has represented the badge I think as well as any player in the history of our club.”

“Since joining the team, Andre has been a foundational piece to the club’s achievements,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in the club press release. “He has shown himself to be one of the best goalkeepers in North America, and along with his proven sporting value, has taken on a leadership role both on and off the field. His guidance will play an important role in the further development of our young players and the team’s success. We’re happy to have reached an agreement to keep him here in Philadelphia.”

However, Blake’s short-term appearances are in question because of a knee injury that has ailed him for the last month.

Blake will likely miss Saturday’s trip to Charlotte and could miss more games as he figures out what exactly is wrong with the knee.

“Nobody wants to be on the field more than Andre right now. He’s been missed in recent weeks. We’re still getting to the bottom of exactly what’s going on with his knee,” Curtin said.

“He’s had some opinions,” Curtin continued. “He’s looking at a second opinion as well just to get all the information and put a plan in place to do what’s right to get him back to 100 percent. That process is ongoing, literally happening as we speak, so again not likely for this weekend, but we’ll get to the bottom of exactly what’s bothering that knee and once we do we’ll put a plan in place to get him back as soon as possible.”

The situation is concerning for Blake’s participation at the Copa America with Jamaica.

The Union have two regular-season games left at home before Jamaica plays a pair of World Cup qualifiers and then embarks on its Copa campaign.

Curtin was hopeful that Blake might return for one of the home matches against Toronto FC or CF Montreal.

“That would be the hope, but his health and getting back to 100 percent is the first thing on his mind right now,” Curtin said. “The plan is still to be determined. We don’t have a 100 percent plan determined right now. We’re in the process of getting a second look as a knee. Andre will be back with the team as soon as he possibly can.”

“There’s coaches, teammates and I’m sure a whole Jamaican federation that is wondering the same things we are. He knows his body best, and at this time, it doesn’t make sense to risk further injury or push in a way that causes a setback or anything like that. We’ll be smart about it, aggressive to try to get him back on the field because we know we’re at our best when he’s out there, but still in a process of trying to get dialed in what exactly is wrong.”

Blake has not appeared for the Union since April 30, when he was removed early in the match with the knee issue that has kept him out for close to a month.

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union.