Minnesota United FC has reached an agreement with Club Sport Herediano of Costa Rica for winger José Leitón, who joins the Loons on loan through July 10, 2018 with an option to buy, pending receipt of his P1-Visa and ITC.
Leitón made a tremendous impact for Herediano last season in the Campeonato de Verano 2017 (Summer Championship), helping the team to its 26th title with his pace, creativity and ability to unbalance opposing defenses. He then made his senior national team debut in the semifinals of the Gold Cup on July 22, coming off the bench for Costa Rica in a 2-0 loss to the United States.
“He’s a dynamic winger who can get the ball on the outside and pull it past defenders — he’s more of an old-fashioned winger in that sense,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We think it’s a good opportunity both for the club, between now and the end of the season, and it’s a really good opportunity for José. We think he can come in and contribute immediately. The fact that he has a couple Costa Rican teammates here will help settle him into Minnesota.”
Leitón made his professional debut with Club Sport Uruguay in 2012. Barring a short stint with Puntarenas in 2015, he remained with the team until signing for Herediano on May 15, 2016. In his first tournament with the club, the Campeonato de Invierno 2016 (Winter Tournament), his side finished second in the regular-season and playoff standings to Deportivo Saprissa.
Minnesota United’s next home match is a tilt with Philadelphia Union on Saturday, September 9 at TCF Bank Stadium. The teams kick off at 7:00 p.m. CT. 41 years of soccer in Minnesota means $41 gets you a deposit on season tickets for 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium — and seating priority for 2019 at Allianz Field. Buy match tickets for this season or make deposits on season tickets for the next at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.
Transaction: Costa Rica international José Leitón joins Minnesota United FC on loan from Club Sport Herediano through July 10, 2018 with an option to buy, pending receipt of his P1-Visa and ITC.
VITALS
José Leitón
Position: Winger
Born: 08.06.1993 (24 years old)
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 158 lbs.
Last club: C.S. Herediano
Birthplace: Moravia, San José
Citizenship: Costa Rica
