TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
In a long saga that first started over the winter, Minnesota United have finally got their man.
Minnesota acquired attacking midfielder Emanuel "Bebelo" Reynoso from Boca Juniors, the club announced Thursday. Reynoso will be added to the roster as a Designated Player pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. He will occupy an international roster spot.
Reynoso, 24, joins Minnesota after two and a half seasons with Boca Juniors. He made 66 appearances with the storied Argentine club, scoring five goals and contributing eight assists. He originally broke through with CA Talleres, where he made 44 appearances before joining Boca.
“It’s been a long, drawn-out process but we’re finally glad we’ve got it over the line. We feel as though we’ve got one of the best players in the league,” said Loons head coach Adrian Heath in a statement. “This is a guy we’ve been following now for maybe a year or so. To finally get him in here is going to be a huge relief for me, a huge relief for [Emanuel] because I know it’s something he’s wanted. He’s had other opportunities elsewhere but he stuck to his principles. He’s always wanted to come here. We’re looking forward to welcoming him in to market and I’m looking forward to see what he can do with this group of players because it’s another huge piece for us moving forward. A great addition to the squad. I’d like to thank the ownership group, who’s obviously gone out on a limb and spent an awful lot of money on this guy so we’re just really pleased to get him in.”
Reports originally surfaced that Minnesota were closing in on a deal for Reynoso back in February, but it never came to fruition. Talks weren't revived for much of the league's suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic before all parties eventually agreed a deal this summer.
A traditional No. 10, Reynoso expects to slot in at attacking midfield for Minnesota. Kevin Molino, who can also play as a winger, had occupied that spot when healthy so far this season. The club also have played with three deeper central midfielders at times, with Hassani Dotson, Ozzie Alonso and Jan Gregus in a midfield trio.
“I like the league a lot because it’s growing every day,” said Reynoso. “When I found out about the club’s interest, I started to do some research on the club and the organization as a whole, and I didn’t doubt that I would like the city and the club very much. Once I got here and got an up close look at the team, I had no doubt this was a great league. My hope is to connect with the team quickly, place my little grain of sand to keep this team moving forward and together we’ll accomplish great things for this organization.”
Reynoso joins Thomas Chacon and Gregus as the club's three DPs.
Minnesota have enjoyed a fast start to 2020, picking up 11 points from their first seven regular season matches. They also reached the semifinals at the MLS is Back Tournament.
