Toulouse are preparing to lose a familiar figure at the heart of their defence when the winter window opens. Mark McKenzie will leave the Pink City on 1 January to return to Philadelphia Union, the MLS club where the United States international began his professional career.
The 27-year-old centre-back is set for a homecoming after two and a half seasons in Haute-Garonne. Toulouse have confirmed that an agreement in principle has been reached with Philadelphia for the transfer, bringing an end to McKenzie’s spell with Les Violets after his 2024 arrival from Genk.
McKenzie has been a regular starter in the middle of the Toulouse back line, making 72 appearances in all competitions. The defender, who has 30 caps for the United States and has played at a World Cup, will join a Philadelphia side currently sixth in the Eastern Conference and on course for the MLS play-offs.
Koumbassa opportunity grows
McKenzie’s departure could accelerate Toulouse’s plans for Seny Koumbassa. Before the Ligue 1 campaign resumed, sporting director Viktor Bezhani had identified the 19-year-old French defender as a player who could be given greater responsibility and developed into an important part of the squad.
Koumbassa has started Toulouse’s last two matches, a 2-2 draw against Lorient and the 3-2 victory over Le Havre. He lined up alongside McKenzie on both occasions while Rasmus Nicolaisen dealt with a calf problem.
With McKenzie now heading back across the Atlantic, the right-footed Koumbassa could find his role becoming far more significant after the winter break.
