Changes aplenty: Loons make some major roster moves for 2025

Over the past eight seasons in Major League Soccer, Minnesota United FC has traditionally not made a large amount of roster moves during the off-season. Sometimes it felt like going months without news, even though it may have just been weeks, due in large part to the short MLS off-season period. That changed over the winter heading into the 2025 season. The Loons had a few big names leave the club while simultaneously making a couple key acquisitions in the previous few months.

Roster Changes:
Players Out:

• Franco Fragapane – has since joined Unión Santa Fe in Argentina
• Clint Irwin – currently a free agent
• Teemu Pukki – transferred to HJK Helsinki in Finland for an undisclosed fee. Opened a DP spot for MNUFC
• Ethan Bristow – contract mutual terminated as of 12-Feb-2025
• Matúš Kmeť – Loaned to Gornik Zabrze in Poland through 2025

Two major departures saw Teemu Pukki transferred and Franco Fragapane leave on a free transfer after his contract was not renewed. The departures opened up the Loons coffers freeing up salary cap space for 2025 as well as a designated player spot. “I’d like to thank Teemu for his work ethic and goal contributions with Minnesota United across these past few seasons. Since joining our club, he has been a top professional in every way,” MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad said when the transfer was announced.

Players In:

• Wil Trapp – new contract, signed through 2025 with club option for 2026
• Bongokuhle Hlongwane – new contract, signed through 2027 with club option for 2028
• Nicolás Romero – signed 30-Jan from Club Atlético Tucumán in Argentina, three year deal with club option
• Hoyeon Jong – signed 1-Feb from Gwangju FC in South Korea, three year deal with club option
• Owen Gene – signed 11-Feb from Amiens SC in French second division, three year deal with club option

While two key players left the club, two more re-signed with Minnesota heading into 2025. Wil Trapp will stay on with the club for at least one more season, while Bongokuhle Hlongwane signed a new long term contract. The Loons also picked up three big pieces, starting at the end of January with a centre back in Nicolás Romero, followed by 24 year old midfielder Hoyeon Jong.  Another midfielder in Owen Gene was picked up not long after the previous two signings. Head coach Eric Ramsay has said he was impressed with Gene’s work playing in the french second division.

Other Notes:

• Alejandro Bran – recalled from EFL League One side Burton Albion and then loaned out to Costa Rican top flight side Alajuelense
• Wessel Speel – Duke graduate signed a one year contract with MNUFC2, includes a club option for 2026
• Kelvin Yeboah – joined mid-season in 2024, first preseason with the Loons
• Joaquin Pereyra – joined during Leagues Cup 2024, spending first preseason with Minnesota

In September 2024 Alejandro Bran was loaned to EFL League Two side Burton Albion, after making 13 appearances for the first team and three for the Twos in 2024,. Sadly Bran’s time with the Brewers didn’t end with much playing time for the 23 year old Costa Rican, making only 4 appearances across all competitions. Bran was recalled by the Loons on 05-Januart before immediately being loaned to Costa Rican side Alajuelense, where he has already made six appearances.

After joining Minnesota during the summer transfer window last year, Kelvin Yeboah and Joaquin Pereyra get their first full preseason with Minnesota. Both players have benefited from a full preseason with the squad, with this years camp being more impactful as the first one Eric Ramsay leads.

Duke Blue Devil standout goalkeeper Wessel Speel signed with MNUFC2 for the 2025 campaign. While he may not see a lot of first team minutes, with international breaks, cup ties, and the inevitable injury bug, it’s almost certain he’ll make an appearance or two with the first teams Loons in 2025.