The Colombian icon joined the MLS side in a short-term deal with an eye toward fitness for the 2026 World Cup
Two weeks ago, few could’ve expected that the most notable international acquisition of the MLS offseason would be made by Minnesota United.
The team’s marquee import until last week was Finland striker Teemu Pukki, with honorable mentions for Colombian playmaker Darwin Quintero and ex-Porto midfielder Ibson. The Loons aren’t known for paying sizable transfer fees, and their wage bill last year was the league’s fifth-smallest.
This year, they also had to contend with Occupation Metro Surge. The siege-like deployment of over 3,000 federal immigration agents into the state of Minnesota is now due to end, but only after three harrowing months for residents throughout the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area and beyond. The occupation caused two confirmed deaths, with Renee Good and Alex Pretti slain by ICE agents.
Nonetheless, Minnesota United have managed to recruit one of this generation’s biggest stars, Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez.
