Minnesota United announced today the club has signed Colombian attacker Ménder García via transfer from Once Caldas S.A. of the Colombian First Division, as a restricted Designated Player, on a one and half-year contract, with two club options. García will join the Loons pending a physical and receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC. Additionally, the Colombian will occupy an international spot on Minnesota’s roster.

“We’re delighted to sign Ménder [Garcia]. He’s a great age, 24, and been playing regular first-team football for a couple of seasons,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We feel as though he’s coming into his prime and can play all across the attack – the middle, wide right, wide left. Incredibly athletic, really quick. Looks to run forward, looks to stretch the field. We’re really excited about him as a player. He’s another young one we’ve identified. I look at Bongi [Bongokuhle Hlongwane], Kervin [Arriaga], Joseph Rosales and now we’ve got Mender. We’ve got a nice core group of young players underneath our experienced guys. We’re really excited about him and looking forward to bringing him in here and helping him progress his career.”

García joins Minnesota after spending his entire career at Once Caldas, where he made his professional debut in 2017. The versatile attacker has 22 goals and eight assists across all compeitions, and has played multiple positions in the offense, scoring 12 goals as a forward and three on the left wing. García has made 112 appearances with Once Caldas, including nine games in Copa Colombia where he’s scored three goals and notched two assists.

Transaction: Minnesota United signs Ménder García via transfer from Once Caldas of the Colombian First Division, as a restricted Designated Player, on a one and half-year contract, with two club options.

VITALS:
Ménder García
Position: Attacker
Date of birth: 04.28.1998 (24 years old)
Height: 5’10”
Last club: Once Caldas S.A.
Hometown: Tumaco, Colombia
Citizenship: Colombia