Rumors, Trades, Drafts, Garber Bucks and a Lod of the usual (The Transfer thread)

well hello, @sean_ohearn11 pic.twitter.com/U9ApVpfOUD

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) January 21, 2021

 

we have a trade to announce...

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) January 28, 2021

 

Finnesota 🇫🇮

We've acquired defender Jukka Raitala from CF Montreal. pic.twitter.com/07z4XwD1m4

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) January 28, 2021

INBOX: #MNUFC acquires Jukka Raitala from frequent trade partner Montreal for the rights to Andrew Booth, who spent 2020 with #USL League One champion Greenville Triumph.

Raitala will require an international spot, but brings steady play at left back. pic.twitter.com/0X185GBFDg

— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) January 28, 2021

 

Do you need someone to talk you off the ledge?

 

we have a few re-signings to announce...

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) February 2, 2021

Re-signed:

● Hayes
● Kallman
● Montgomery
● Zendejas pic.twitter.com/Y0TxP1YIDM

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) February 2, 2021

Meh...was hoping it would be Ozzie, which Heath is on the record as saying that would happen..*checks notes....a week and a half ago.

 

Post: #MNUFC will bring back Brent Kallman and Jacori Hayes for 2021 season, while #Loons continue to work on a potential return of Ozzie Alonzo and are moving on from Marlon Hairston.https://t.co/37AykPCHZq

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) February 2, 2021

 

On to the World Cup!

 

#MNUFC has submitted a bid for Rennes striker Adrien Hunou https://t.co/3p1YjamudH

— Minnesota's Eleven (@sotaseleven) February 4, 2021

 

Can’t name him yet but #MNUFC’s primary backup option if they can’t sign Hunou also comes from Ligue 1....

— Minnesota's Eleven (@sotaseleven) February 4, 2021

 

I have tried to lower my expectations, but going into camp without at least one realistically starting forward doesn't seem good.

 

I am going to give the team a little reprieve, by about two weeks. This team would rather be so secretive than generate excitement with the fans. I actually sometimes think they hate us.

Now, if they go into training camp without one discernible striker, well then......#panic.

Still waiting for the Ozzie to be resigned, which was supposed to happen a couple weeks ago.

 

NEWS: Ozzie Alonso is expected to return to #MNUFC for the 2021 season, sources have told the @PioneerPress. #Loons plan to welcome back their captain as the Cuban adds new role as club ambassador. https://t.co/uiBxy5BsHa

— Andy Greder (@andygreder) February 11, 2021

 

Not sure who this is, but they seem to have had insider stuff in the last few months
https://twitter.com/sotaseleven

 

From Jeff

NEW: Frankie Amaya has demanded a trade away from #FCCincy after the club declined multiple offers.

A full notebook from @PaulTenorio and myself with the latest on Josh Penn to #IMFC and several #MNUFC updates, including a new homegrown signing.https://t.co/wO3NTtnDkk

— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) February 11, 2021

Minnesota remains engaged in talks to acquire French striker Adrien Honou (first reported by Goal), Stade Rennais remains reluctant to part with him now due to being in the thick of a battle for European qualification — currently sitting fifth in the final Europa League spot. The Ligue 1 side could wait to entertain moving Honou until after the season ends on May 23rd.

In other Minnesota news, the club is close to signing Patrick Weah to a homegrown deal, per a source. The 17-year-old forward will be the Loons’ second homegrown signing, following Luxembourg youth international goalkeeper Fred Emmings. Weah, the cousin of United States international Tim Weah and nephew of Liberian football legend George, had committed to Saint Louis University in June. The Maple Grove native began playing with the academy in 2019-2020 and trained with the first team in the 2020 preseason.

While the European transfer window closed last week, Minnesota was on the receiving end of some interest — but not for a player you may expect. Chase Gasper was firmly on the radar of Viking FK, which currently sits sixth in Norway’s Eliteserien, sources tell The Athletic. One source added that the Norse club never made a formal offer for the left back, who made his United States senior debut in February 2020. Gasper started 16 games for the Loons in 2020.

 

I was actually hoping this dude would be the backup anyway.

From the same report: Club is close to signing Patrick Weah to a homegrown deal.

Rennes likely unwilling to sell Hunou until the end of their season on May 25.

— Minnesota's Eleven (@sotaseleven) February 11, 2021

I think this account also said they had a better backup option of someone who was playing in France as well. Take that for what it is worth (probably not much).

 

INBOX: #MNUFC signs right back D.J. Taylor, who spent the last four years with North Carolina FC. The 23 yo came through their academy and is a capable defensive right back.

In July, I touted Taylor in a list of #USL players with MLS potential. https://t.co/TL3qqAlD3I

— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) February 16, 2021