Well, it’s not exactly official just yet, but some quite conspicuous signs tell you everything you need to know: Minnesota United will sign its first-ever designated player by adding Darwin Quintero from Club America of Liga MX.
On Thursday midfielder Miguel Ibarra confirmed what was a well-known secret with this tweet.
The 30-year-old Colombian comes to Minnesota from Mexico’s top division and is expected to slot into the center attacking midfield (CAM) role vacated by the injured Kevin Molino, who is out for the season. Quintero scored 17 goals in 107 appearances with his former club.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfGOPIB93Dg
Each Major League Soccer team is given three designated player slots whose salaries don’t count against the team’s overall salary cap, essentially allowing teams who are willing to splash the cash on big-name players. The Loons have never had a designated player in their nascent history. Quintero is expected to be just that, and his salary will become public when the MLS releases its annual player salary report.
United head coach Adrian Heath doesn’t say a lot in the video above, but it’s the most official confirmation we’ve gotten so far.
Meanwhile, the Loons have arguably their toughest draw of the season this weekend as they take on their expansion sisters Atlanta United.
Last year the season series was a 1-1 draw, with Atlanta smashing United at home 6-1 and Minnesota returning the favor with a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Heath was quick to put his stamp on the narrative for this match, saying Atlanta has spent big money since its inception and is the class of the league when it comes to attacking talent. Heath said they believe they can get something from the game, but it won’t truly be an even contest until Minnesota spends more money and utilizes all three of its DP slots as well.
“I think it’s a little bit of an unrealistic comparison at this time,” Heath said. “At this moment in time, the harsh reality of it is they’ve probably bought three of the best young players in the league. So that’s where it is, you know. They’re very good.”
The game has a unique significance to starting right back Tyrone Mears who played for Atlanta last season. Mears, 35, said he’s excited to face his friends, but isn’t out for any type of revenge as he left on amicable terms.
As Heath said above and any MLS fan worth their salt knows, Atlanta’s attacking talent is immense. As a defender, Mears said the most talented of them is Josef Martinez. Martinez, a 24-year-old striker, has 23 goals in 23 games with Atlanta.
“I think he’s a fantastic player. And I told him, I don’t know why you came to the U.S., you should be going to England,” Mears said.
Despite the talented opposition, Heath is still bullish on his team’s chances on Saturday.
“I try to look at the positives: what can we do to cause the opposition problems?” Heath said. “I think we can tomorrow. It’s up to the guys to go out and prove that.”
