Just over a week and a half remain until MNUFC must make and publicise a list of who the club is retaining under option and who the club is attempting to retain. Similar to the end of the 2025 season there are more than a few key players who are either out of contract at the end of the season or have a club option. Then there is Michael Boxall who told Northland Soccer Journal's Ashle Paige that retirement has been something he has had come across his mind almost every year for the past few years. Though when manager Cameron Knowles has been asked about Boxall, his response has been that Boxy continues to set personal records and can best the younger players. But there is no doubt that he will retire at some point and that there are certain to be major changes to MNUFC's roster as the club looks towards the 2027 sprint season and beyond.
Out of contract:
No option:
Goalkeeper Drake Callender, defender Michael Boxall, midfielder Wil Trapp, midfielder DJ Taylor, and goalkeeper Alec Smir:
Five players are out of contract without extension and potentially all five could depart the club. Callender was only signed to a one year deal and the Loons do have two young keepers that could be brought up as starters. After a decade with the club, the 38 year old Boxall could be looking at retirement. Trapp, a veteran midfielder with a lot of respect in the dressing room is a player that Minnesota should be looking to re-sign. Though after spending six seasons with a club, as Trapp has, there is always the possibility than any player may be looking to move on.
DJ Taylor and Alec Smir could be bubble players on being re-signed by the club. Taylor has seen his playing time drop off over the years, culminating with just six total first team appearances in 2026. With multiple younger goalkeepers behind him Alec Smir could also be allowed to leave on a free. He would almost certainly be able to grab a starting spot in the USL Championship should he go that route. But Smir, who was called "the perfect backup" by former manager Eric Ramsay, is also an experienced keeper at multiple levels of the game and could be a key resource if MNUFC brings wither Kayne Rizvanovich or Wessel Speel up as starting keeper.
Club option:
Defender Kyle Duncan, midfielder Julian Gressel, defender Britton Fischer, forward Marcus Caldeira, forward Mamadou Dieng, defender Kieran Chandler, forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith, and forward Darius Randell:
The easiest call of everyone on the club option list is Marcus Caldeira. He had a breakout back half of the season and showed he a key piece of Minnesota United. The club has three seasons of options on Caldeira, through the end of 2029.
Loan decisions:
Forward Maurice Malone, defender Cherrion Valerius and midfielder AZ Jackson:
Maurice Malone came over late in the season from SK Sturm Graz, making just six appearances in black and blue. Malone's move came right as Caldeira and Yeboah both began to break out up top. With a less-than-impressive Fotmob rating of just 6.02 during his time in Minnesota, Malone could potentially head back to Austria. Cherrion Valerius has reportedly already been purchased from NAC Breda, making the move to Minnesota permanent. AZ Jackson has done well since coming to Minnesota United on loan. His contributions have at times, immensely helped the club. Most notably in October against St. Louis City. Bringing Jackson into the club full time, or at least on another loan, would not be a bad move.
Under contract:
Expires December 2027:
Nicolás Romero, Kelvin Yeboah, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Owen Gene, and Hoyeon Jung.
Expires after 2027/28 season:
Tomás Chancalay, Kenyel Michel, and Wessel Speel
