Jack McGlynn is headed to England. Stoke City is completing a deal to sign the US Men’s National Team midfielder from Houston Dynamo for a fee that starts at $5.5 million and could rise to $6 million with performance incentives.

The move marks McGlynn’s first jump to European football. At 23, he’s making the leap at an age where the learning curve is steep but the ceiling is still high.

From Philly academy to the Championship

McGlynn’s path to Stoke reads like a well-executed development plan. Born on July 7, 2003, he came through the Philadelphia Union academy. He moved to Houston Dynamo in February 2025 for a transfer fee starting at $2.1 million, with performance-based incentives layered on top.

McGlynn became a key figure in Houston’s midfield, contributing goals and assists while earning senior USMNT call-ups. Houston signed him to a contract extension in July 2025, locking him down through 2028 with an option for 2029.