MNUFC preview: Lots of new faces — including a famous one
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Sorry, Rudy Gobert, you're not the most globally famous athlete to ever sign in Minnesota. Photo: Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images
Arguably the most globally famous athlete to ever sign with a Minnesota sports franchise could make his debut Saturday at the Loons' home opener at Allianz Field.
Stunning stat: Minnesota United FC's James Rodríguez — whose breakout for Colombia at the 2014 World Cup led to stints with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich — has 51.7 million Instagram followers.
- That's 10 times the number who follow the Wolves' Anthony Edwards.
Reality check: "Famous" doesn't necessarily mean "best."
- Even with Rodríguez's addition, many analysts expect MNUFC won't match last year's win-loss record — their best since joining Major League Soccer — after an offseason of roster turnover.
Catch up quick: Several notable veterans left Minnesota in the offseason, including all-time goal-scoring leader Robin Lod.
- Also gone is reigning MLS goalkeeper of the year Dayne St. Clair, though he'll be replaced in net by the equally respected Drake Callender.
- Head coach Eric Ramsay left for an English club in January, only to be fired by his new team this week.
The intrigue: Minnesota's offseason roster churn unfolded during a federal immigration enforcement surge that complicated international recruiting.
- Two European players declined deals in Minnesota due to concerns about Operation Metro Surge, The Pioneer Press has reported.
Between the lines: Rodríguez is still likely to be an asset to the Loons — especially given his skill on the scoring set-pieces that defined MNUFC last year.
Friction point: Rodríguez is 34 years old, and his defensive liabilities spoiled "comeback attempts" with six other teams worldwide over the last five years, The Athletic noted.
- That could be a problem for a team with the lowest possession time in MLS last year.
Yes, but: The deal is a low-risk "marriage of convenience" for both sides, as ESPN put it: a six-month contract with a club option through the end of 2026.
- MNUFC gets a big name who can sell tickets; Rodríguez gets to train on the same continent where he'll appear in what's likely his last World Cup.
What we're watching: How long Rodríguez stays with the Loons.
- Welsh footballer Gareth Bale signed a similar contract before the 2022 World Cup — and played only 13 games in MLS.
What's next: MNUFC's home schedule opens at 3:30pm Saturday against FC Cincinnati at Allianz Field. It's not yet clear whether Rodríguez, who received his visa last week, will play.