Philadelphia Union have protected American-born Ghanaian forward C.J Sarpong ahead of the Expansion Draft on Tuesday.
Sarpong, 29, was among three players including compatriot David Accam who were being considered for the draft-trade to FC Cincinnati
But the Major Soccer League side confirmed on Monday that the forward will remain with the club.
He scored four goals in 33 appearances for Union last season.
The forward signed a contract extension with Union until 2019 with an option for a further year.
Sapong originally entered MLS as the 10th overall pick by Sporting Kansas City in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.