TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Roster Update
Darwin Quintero's time in Minnesota appears to be over. What shape his departure takes is less clear.
Quintero took to Twitter on Monday to reveal that Minnesota United was declining the the 32-year-old's contract option after two seasons for the Loons.
But after initially declining to comment, a club spokesperson said the team has not yet taken action on Quintero's contract for 2020.
A likely possibility is that the club are trying to negotiate some sort of trade within MLS. Both The Athletic and the St. Paul Pioneer-Pressreported last week the club could be shopping Quintero with an eye on acquiring Orlando City's Dom Dwyer in return.
Quintero was payed $3.4 million in guaranteed annual compensation across two seasons, according to figures released by the MLS Players Union, and was Minnesota's first-ever Designated Player signing. The club holds a $2-million contract option for 2020, according to both reports.
Quintero had 21 goals and 20 assists in two seasons while helping the Loons reach their first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in 2019. But he was far less active of a provider in 2019, contributing only five after registering 15 the previous season.
Quintero was used as a 30-minute a substitute during the Loons' 2-1 defeat to the LA Galaxy in the first round of those playoffs. He provided a late assist, but was also on the field when the Galaxy scored both their goals.
