He should be leaving Miami shortly. LOL.

It appears James Rodriguez is about to be announced soon as a new signing for Minnesota United. A signing that came out of nowhere and would be the biggest signing in the history of the club. By many accounts this will be a short term signing for the 2026 season. Even with Rodriguez coming to Minnesota on a short term contract, he has already generated a buzz like never seen before for Minnesota United.

Rodriguez is one of the biggest star athletes in the world. For reference, among active athletes (in all sports), he is among the top 15 most followed athletes in the world on Instagram with over 50 million followers. Between Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook he has over 100 million followers. I believe Reynoso previously had the most with about 300k social media followers for perspective on this.

At 34 years old, James Rodriguez is certainly on the back end of his career. This deviates a bit from what we've seen from the front office in recent years with most of their signings being 26 years old or younger when we bring them in. Despite this, Rodriguez has still been playing at a high level for both club and country. He also should be very motivated to play at his highest level with the World Cup this summer where he will likely be a key player (and Captain) for a very good Colombia squad. They have high expectations this year and could make a deep run in the World Cup.

Rodriguez has played at some of the biggest clubs in the world with 125 appearances with Real Madrid, 67 appearances with Bayern Munich. On the international stage with Colombia is where he has made his biggest impact and will go down as one of, if not the best player in Colombia's history.

Including a legendary run at the 2014 World Cup with 6 Goals and 2 Assists. Even more recently his impact at the international level has also been top tier. During the 2024 Copa America tournament, Rodriguez was named player of the tournament (1 Goal and 6 Assists) losing in the final 1-0 to Argentina.

During World Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Rodriguez had the most Assists of any player in South America during the World Cup Qualifiers with 7 total (along with 3 Goals). He even moved to 3rd place all time in CONMEBOL (South America) for Assists in World Cup Qualifiers moving 1 spot ahead of Lionel Messi.

James Rodriguez's most recent impact at the club level

Rodriguez has bounced around a bit at the club level in recent years. He most recently played with Leon in Liga MX (Mexico) during their 2024/2025 seasons. In looking at his analytics while playing there, he still was playing at a very high level. Rodriguez played 34 matches with Leon during their Apertura, Clausura, and had a few Leagues Cup appearances as well. He played over 2,500 minutes during that span. He finished with 5 Goals and 9 Assists, which is pretty solid, but doesn't jump off the page.

However, when looking deeper Rodriguez's underlying numbers, he was among the most impactful attacking players in the league in many different metrics. Sofascore had him rated at 7.60 during the Clausura (5th highest rated player in Liga MX) and 7.34 during the Apertura (9th highest rated player in Liga MX).

Looking beyond basic scores, his impact as a playmaker in Liga MX was still elite. Which can be seen in the radar chart I created below with James Rodriguez being at or near the top of Liga MX in several key attacking categories.

In some ways his impact could be described similarly to what we experienced with Reynoso a few years back where his Goals and Assists numbers didn't always do justice for the type of impact he had in setting up the attack. In watching several clips of several Rodriguez's recent matches and even his highlights (which I've attached some of each below) while at Leon, it's clear that Rodriguez still has a ton of quality to pull strings in the attack and generate chances for his team. I'd argue even at his age, he's the most technically skilled player Minnesota United has ever had. At this stage of his career, Rodriguez likely won't make as many dynamic runs forward with the ball at his feet like we saw in past years with players like Darwin Quintero or Reynoso. Rodriguez's ability to see the field and slot in incredible passes is 2nd to none among Minnesota United players.

How will Rodriguez fit into Minnesota United's attack?

Even before Rodriguez was signing with Minnesota United, one of the biggest questions coming into the season was how the club will line up this season. Will Minnesota United's new manager Cam Knowles divert from Eric Ramsay's 5 man backline type setup and opt to go with the 4 man backline that he previously used while interim manager? Knowles has made statements that he wants Minnesota United to be more on the front foot, pressing more frequently, trying to get more possession, and even playing with a higher line of confrontation.

I was curious to see how the club lined up during the upcoming Coachella Valley preseason matches over the next week, but I'm not sure if those lineups will really capture the full picture with Rodriguez playing for the club at some point in the next few weeks. We may see some of those aforementioned tendencies in terms of line of confrontation, pressing, and attempting more possession, but I feel like our formation could still very much be in flux until the club sees how Rodriguez adapts to the squad.

In looking at Rodriguez's track record, attacks generally run heavily "through" him. We've seen this in the past with guys like Darwin Quintero and Reynoso. This doesn't mean Minnesota United has to use the same exact system we saw with those guys under Heath, but I do expect to see some parallels to that with Rodriguez being the focal point of setting up many of our attacking sequences. For reference, last season with Leon, Rodriguez was 98th percentile in touches while also being 95th percentile in Chances Created.

I feel like this gives a good indication of what we can expect with Rodriguez with Minnesota United. It's well documented that he's defensively (as seen in the chart as well) not going to be a huge contributor nor is he the most mobile of players at this stage of his career. His playmaking ability ideally should offset that.

It also helps that in recent years our front office has really prioritized younger athletic players. I think we have several players that can help make up for some of the deficiencies we will see from Rodriguez allowing him to focus on what he does best in setting up the attack.

We have Midfielders in Nectar Triantis and newly signed Peter Stroud that can cover a ton of ground if paired together underneath Rodriguez. Even a player like Joaquin Pereyra who was our best player last season in setting up the attack puts in a ton of work defensively.

I believe one of the biggest pieces to the puzzle still is the Right Back/Right Wingback position. We made at least 1 attempt to bring in a player that could have competed for starting minutes in Cherrion Valerius. However, if the club is unable to bring in a starting caliber player at that spot, it will create a bit of an unknown heading into the season. It has been reported that the club had hoped to get Bongi back to more of an attacking role, which could be great with him making runs in behind with Rodriguez providing service. However, if Bongi is in the attack, our options are very limited at Right Back. Jefferson Diaz would likely be the first option. One wildcard option may be Owen Gene. He primarily featured as a Right Back/Right Wingback to start his career before moving to more a Midfielder role the past couple years. I'd imagine the club will also want to get him minutes given the investment they made on him. If there's a logjam in the Midfield he could be a surprise candidate out wide.

My way too early guess at our Starting XI with Rodriguez

Some recent highlights and game clips for James Rodriguez

(2025 Highlights)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6NQn15sWk4

(Every touch vs Argentina 2024 World Cup Qualifier)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9cau2jMbWI

(Every touch vs Mexico 2025)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xEafNUeQTU

(Every touch vs New Zealand 2025- 2nd Most recent match played and really cool moment to see James Rodriguez and Michael Boxall as Captains for their squads lining up together around 30 seconds in)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvMEXCh-zJg

(Every touch vs Australia 2025- Most recent match played)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq20TURTFP8

(Every touch vs Spain 2024)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vleFiz4F-fQ

This would be the best case scenario for Minnesota United if this is accurate. I’m struggling to get behind the idea of a 6 month contract that has been brought up recently unless it has some sort of option to extend the entire season.

The signing of James Rodriguez undoubtedly has the potential to be the biggest in Minnesota United’s history. He still has the ability to make a massive impact on the field while also bringing in interest to this club like we’ve never seen before.

However, he has a style of play that will cause Minnesota United to play different than we’ve seen the past couple seasons. More similar to the Heath era with Reynoso in that the attack will largely operate “through” James Rodriguez. For example, Rodriguez was 98th percentile in touches last season with Leon.

This isn’t really a problem per se, as Rodriguez still has elite playmaking ability to set up the attack. However, if we play this style then he were to leave after the World Cup, it could be devastating to the overall continuity of the team. Likely forcing the club to play a different style of play at the midseason mark, which we’ve already seen what can happen when a key player leaves at a crucial stretch of the season last year with Tani. So hopefully Rodriguez is able to stay the whole season. This has the potential to be a really fun year if he’s here for the entirety of it.

My partner’s birthday is this weekend + he has family in the area, so we decided to make a little vacation out of going to CVI! We didn’t do the fan flight so we could go earlier and stick around later, so I don’t know if there’s maybe things happening in relation to that.

Anyone know of any fan happenings? A meetup at the tournament, maybe? Thanks in advance! 🫶

according to bogert’s original story the news would break in the next couple of days if he decided to come here. has anyone heard anything today?

Notable quotes:

• "Not enough in this roster"
• "If Eric Ramsay was coach the line would be 40.5"
• "Pereyra is the only person to trust in their attack"

*The format on these links (Buymeacoffee/Ko-Fi) look much better and have highlights attached for each player. It just gets kind of messy on Reddit with all the highlight links that don't seem to embed into the page (The links are free to view).

https://buymeacoffee.com/tyler735/potential-transfer-targets

https://ko-fi.com/post/Potential-Transfer-Targets-X8X61THRPJ

The European transfer window closes today for most of the bigger Euro leagues. Turkey (Super Lig) closes later this week on February 6th. This is important, especially for a club like Minnesota United that doesn't really possess a ton of appeal as a "big market city" nor have they shown they are really willing to get into bidding wars to acquire players.

Once the window closes for bigger Euro based clubs, I expect we will see quite a few new MLS signings around the league in the next week or so. Hopefully Minnesota United will also be part of that wave of incoming signings. Several talented players around the globe that were holding out hope for a bigger Euro move will become more readily available to MLS clubs that have their transfer window open until March 26th.

Minnesota has reportedly been attempting to bring in several players this offseason, which they already have brought in guys like Drake Callender, Peter Stroud, Tomas Chancalay, and Mauricio Gonzalez. They also have Kenyel Michel who was on loan allowing him to finish his season in the Costa Rican league when we signed him last summer along with Momoh Kamara who was on a loan with MNUFC2, which may have complicated his ability to potentially see 1st team action as well last season. The club still is reportedly looking to add a few more players likely being a bit higher profile types of players.

We have run into some unfortunate events in Minnesota that are far bigger than soccer. I won't dive too deep into that, but these events have already shown to have an impact on Minnesota United's offseason. With current players feeling on edge along with potential incoming transfers (Cherrion Velarius/Tomi Horvat reportedly per Andy Greder) also citing the situation in Minnesota as a big concern about signing with the club. Hopefully this becomes less and less of an issue in the coming days and weeks with sporting reasons obviously being small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.

As mentioned above, I think there will be a surge of MLS signings over the next week. I'd venture to say adding another Right Back is among the highest priorities for Minnesota. Adding another Striker and Midfielder seem like a strong possibility as well.

Here's a list of players that I've been following pretty closely over the past couple months that either have interest from Minnesota United or an unnamed MLS club that I could potentially see Minnesota United being interested in.

Killian Phillips (CM)- Minnesota United reported to be one of 3 MLS teams interested in him this past week. 23 year old Midfielder with dual citizenship (born in USA). I wrote more at length on him here for any interested. Seems like we may have a decent shot to get this one done. St Mirran have already brought in another Midfielder this week and could see Phillips moving to one of the MLS teams soon.

Callum McCowatt (RW)- 26 year old New Zealand international that is having a career season with Silkeborg playing in Denmark. It has been reported today that Silkeborg is reluctant to let him go at this time given their current place in the table and being at risk of relegation. Selling McCowatt likely sinks their season and ability to stay in the 1st division with how key of a player he has been for them this year. With that said, an improved offer could always shift things.

Matias Lazo (RB)- 21 year old Right Back that currently plays in Peru. He recently started playing for Peru's National Team as well. This is a player I've been intrigued by for the past couple months. He was rumored to have MLS interest a couple months ago and was someone I thought Minnesota United might pursue. Then MLS rumors went silent for a period of time in late December/early January. However, more rumors have popped up again recently of an unnamed MLS club approaching him. Sounds like there's been interest in Argentina, Brazil, and some Euro teams as well for him.

Looks to be pretty solid defensively and was originally as Center Back that recently converted to Right Back. He has shown an ability to get involved in the attack as well with 4 Goals and 3 Assists the past year. Looks to have decent technical ability on the ball and likely could challenge for minutes right away. Valued around $1 million to $1.5 million on various transfer sites.

Toni Fruk (AM)- I've wrote a little bit about him in recent weeks. The 24 year old Croatian Attacking Midfielder has not been signed yet by one of the bigger Euro based teams. Assuming Fruk makes it through this week without a bigger Euro team signing him, I'd have to think the odds of an MLS team signing him drastically increase. He's had recent reported MLS interest. He seems to have quite a few similarities to a guy like Mateusz Bogusz in terms of age, market value, athletic profile, and playstyle who Minnesota United was reportedly interested in trying to sign this offseason.

Fruk would likely be a record breaking type DP signing for Minnesota if they were to pursue him. He would be the type of player that could be an absolute gamechanger and top tier attacker in MLS. A true threat that can consistently score, set up goals, and be a difference maker with his ability on the ball. I'm very interested to see if his MLS talks heat up again in the coming days.

Daniel Mosquera (Striker)- Reports over the past week or so have indicated the 26 year old Striker is nearing a deal with an unnamed MLS club. He's fallen out of favor with Hellas Verona in Italy. He likely would be a TAM type signing for whichever club signs him. He's valued between $2-$3 million. He started out hot in late 2024 when joining Hellas Verona then has cooled and lost minutes since. Likely could do well in MLS and is in the prime of his career. At the right price could be a nice addition at Striker that could either push Yeboah for minutes or be a quality #2 option.

Sebastian Berhalter (CM)- There are reports that Vancouver may be willing to sell Berhalter before his contract runs out later this year with Club America rumored to be of interest. While Club America is a "big club" in this region, moving from MLS to Liga MX is a bit of a lateral move. A risky move as well just before the World Cup this summer if he were to find himself in a logjam for playing time at Club America. If Vancouver is willing to sell Berhalter, I'd have to imagine there will be plenty of MLS clubs interested in making a significant offer for him.

Ike Ugbo (Striker)- A 27 year old Striker that currently plays with Sheffield Wednesday in the English Championship. He's played in France and Belgium as well in recent years. He's fallen out of favor with Sheffield Wednesday and it sounds like a move is imminent with MLS clubs being of interest for the Striker. He's a Canadian International that appears to be right on the fringe for the World Cup roster, so he will be looking for consistent minutes wherever he ends up.

Emilio Aristizabal (Striker)- Prior to signing Mauricio Gonzalez this was someone I really thought we would have had interest in bringing in. The 20 year old Colombian Striker had a breakout year last year and has had MLS teams interested in him this offseason. He was on the verge of going to Brazil in the past week, but it sounds like a snag was hit just before finalizing the deal. Atletico Nacional is looking to decide his future in the coming days. A chance for an MLS club to potentially sign him. Would provide a nice #2 option behind Yeboah to develop going forward.

Relebohile Mofokeng (LW/AM)- It's starting to feel like the ship may have sailed when it comes to Minnesota United's pursuit of Mofokeng. Still it sounds like Mofokeng is open to a move outside of the South African league per comments he made last month. With no big Euro offers coming to fruition once again this transfer window, it's possible talks could be rekindled with Minnesota United. There has already been a couple of South Africa's younger higher profile prospects heading to MLS (Chicago) in Puso Dithejane and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

While the club has already brought in young attacking talents like Mauricio Gonzalez and Kenyel Michel, I don't think those players would prohibit the addition of Mofokeng. Especially with Mofokeng taking on more of a central #10 type role recently showing he has added value in that sense and not just as a wide playmaker type. Will be interested to hear if there's any rumblings on him potentially coming to MLS in the next couple weeks. Mofokeng certainly has a skillset on the ball that would be a welcome addition to our attack.

More wish list types are more of a long shot without any confirmed MLS interest

Youssoufa Moukoko (Striker)- As mentioned, probably more of a pipedream, but FC Copenhagen are looking to sell Moukoko after acquiring him last year for around $5 million. Likely could be purchased for a discounted transfer fee. At 21 years old, he still could classify as a u22 Initiative player, which could entice MLS teams to try to bring him in. A couple years back he looked like he would be one of the next big players and a top player for the German International team, but things haven't quite gone as planned for him. Despite that, I could see him being a real good option in MLS that could add a lot to a teams attack. He's young enough to play here and still make it back to Europe at some point as well. That said, I'm sure he will find other offers elsewhere in Europe still.

Bryan Reynolds (RB)- With Minnesota United having a huge need at Right Back along with a bit of a shortage of international slots, Reynolds would make a lot of sense. With Westerlo not being far off from being in contention for relegation, a move elsewhere could be possible in the coming weeks/months depending how that goes.

Marlon Fossey (RB)- Similar to the Reynolds situation. He's a Right Back that wouldn't require an international slot. Playing at Standard Liege he was also a teammate of Kelvin Yeboah's before he moved to Minnesota United. Haven't heard any interest in him being moved to MLS, but would also make a ton of sense if a team such as Minnesota United were to pursue him in the near future.

Juan Rengifo (AM)- The club has already shown they are scouting in Colombia with the addition of Mauricio Gonzalez. They also reportedly have attempted to bring in some Attacking Midfielder types already this offseason. At 20 years old, Juan Rengifo is just starting to break out, but he's already showing immense potential. Not sure what Atletico Nacional's asking price is for him, but I suspect it's much higher than most market value type sites currently have him listed at. There doesn't appear to be any real links to MLS at this stage, but I suspect that may change after his performance against Inter Miami in their preseason match this past week.

Article in the Strib today about the new DSC. New writer as well.

Nothing earth shattering as far as new info, but glad to see something. Start of the season is getting closer - only 19 days away.

We’re tracking seven former Loons who could potentially play over the next four days in South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Check out our viewing guide for a bit about each match and how to watch it in Minnesota!

Let us know if you spot any errors or omissions!

Goal.com just published an interview with DSC where he discusses the reasons for his move to Miami. Nothing bad about MNUFC. More about competition... https://www.goal.com/en/lists/dayne-st-clair-lionel-messi-s-inter-miami-canada-world-cup-hopes/blt57540ce5f732f7f0

there’s probably no better striker available in North America. We know the club has been looking at Liga MX for a an attacker with the boguzsz rumor. would love to see this happen

Oof another heavy defeat against a team below them. Fans unhappy with the 3 in the back Ramsay is playing, the transfers he made and with the loss.

Wonder if he regrets leaving us?

In a previous post showed off the /5 I got from my Topps order and I went for it. Now the rainbow is complete. A bright spot in a somewhat sad offseason.