Loons sell Rosales for $1.5 million in “cash for player” trade with Austin, provides more ammo for MNUFC during offseason

After much speculation over the past days it’s now official, Minnesota United has sold Joseph Rosales to Austin FC for $1.5 million in a “cash for player” trade ahead of the Christmas holiday. Already with the sixth highest GAM in MLS at 4.547 million dollars, the extra 1.5 million opens up even more money for Minnesota to acquire players over the offseason.

The Honduran International midfielder initially joined the Loons in late 2021 on loan from Panamanian side CAI de La Chorrera. Rosales was permanently acquired from CAI following the end of the 2022 season and went on to make 128 appearances with the Loons and 3 with MNUFC2. Rosales scored five goals and garnered 18 assists and earned all 34 of his caps with Honduras during his time wearing the black and blue. The 25 year old now heads to Austin on a 3 and a half year contract, with a club option that could keep him in Austin until June of 2030.

Since joining the club, Joseph has grown and developed into a consistent contributor in Major League Soccer and earned recognition at the international level with the Honduran national team,” said MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Khaled El-Ahmad.

Following the loss of Dayne St. Clair, presumptively to Inter Miami (the deal is not officially signed as of publication) the Loons have to make some big moves over the break to come back strong in 2026. Already having one of the lowest guaranteed salaries in MLS the extra $1.5 million adds into the 4.547 of GAM that will allow the club to make some moves and bring in some higher salary players, even buy down the cap hits of existing players, players like Robin Lod, who is currently in negotiations with the club in regards to a new contract.