Bought out of contract on Feb. 28, 2018.
Demidov is a veteran center back who has experience playing in La Liga and the Bundesliga. The former Norwegian international also has vast experience playing in the Tippeligaen and was named Minnesota captain for 2017, His physical presence should help solidify the club's central defense and prove a threat on attacking set pieces.
INTERNATIONAL: Since he started his professional career, Demidov was on the Norwegian national team’s radar. He made several appearances at the Under-18 and Under-20 levels before getting his first call-up to the senior men’s national team in 2008. He has seen the field 16 times for Norway, including some time in European Championship qualifying.
OUTSIDE MLS: Demidov signed his first professional contract with Sandefjord Fotball in 2004. An injury in his first season sidelined him for over a year, but after brief rehab stint on loan, he returned to Sandefjord for its first season in the Norwegian top flight. He spent a few seasons playing in the lower divisions before joining Rosenborg in 2008 where he became an integral part of the lineup. His solid defensive work helped the club to back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, losing just once in 60 matches.
Demidov then signed with Spanish club, Real Sociedad, making his debut midway through the 2010-11 season and helped the club avoid relegation from La Liga. He then moved to Eintracht Frankfurt for two years later where he made five Bundesliga appearances. Demidov returned to La Liga the following year with Celta Vigo before a brief run in Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala. Demidov returned to Norway in 2014 when he signed with SK Brann.
