TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Roster update
Minnesota United FC announced their end-of-season roster moves on Thursday, and the future of their reigning Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year remains up in the air.
Goalkeeper Vito Mannone, who was with the Loons on loan from English side Reading in 2019, has returned to England with the loan expiring, but Minnesota indicated they are looking to re-sign the Italian for 2020. In addition to his Goalkeeper of the Year award Mannone was a 2019 MLS Best XI selection.
Aside from that, MNUFC announced Hassani Dotson, Ethan Finlay, Chase Gasper, Marlon Hairston, Kevin Molino and Wyatt Omsberg had their 2020 contract options picked up by the club.
The club previously declined the contract options on five players in October, and announced Lawrence Olum and Miguel Ibarra have now had their contract options declined as well. Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth is out of contract.
Aside from the uncertainty surrounding Mannone's future, Ibarra's departure is notable. The midfielder was a key piece at the club in their pre-MLS days who returned to the club as they began their stint in the top flight, and is a longtime fan favorite in Minnesota.
The Loons are coming off their best season in MLS to date, reaching the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in 2019 and finishing as runners-up in the U.S. Open Cup.