MNUFC has made its first signing of the summer with the addition of Sam Nicholson. The 22-year-old midfielder and Scotland native comes to Minnesota after four years with Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership. Nicholson will be added to Minnesota's roster pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa.
“We are really pleased to have added a player with the skillset of Sam [Nicholson],” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He’s a player who can cut inside from either side of the pitch. He’s got two really good feet and he’s got some goals in him, he can beat his man. It’s not very often that you get the opportunity to bring in a player from Europe, who looks at MLS as a step up. We are delighted to have him and we think he will be a great addition to our squad.”
Nicholson came up through Hearts’ youth academy, joining the senior team at the beginning of the 2013–14 season. He played a major role in helping the club earn promotion to the Premiership the following year, scoring a career high five goals along with six assists during the season.
He played nearly every match in the club’s return to the Scottish top flight, generating a number of scoring chances for Hearts en route to a third-place finish and a spot in the Europa League. Nicholson also was a big part of the club’s run to the quarterfinals of the League Cup that year, assisting on half of Hearts’ goals in the tournament and scoring one himself.
This past season, Nicholson made his 100th appearance for Hearts as the club finished fifth in the Premiership, one spot out of European play.
He has had numerous call-ups to Scotland’s youth national teams and took part in the U21 squad’s European Championship qualification campaign.
Nicholson will be available for the squad starting July 10.
“Absolutely delighted to sign with MNUFC. It was an easy decision after speaking with the coaching staff, everyone made me feel comfortable and at home straight away. It’s a great club and I am excited for the new challenge ahead in MLS and I cannot wait to play in front of all the amazing fans.”
The next home match for MNUFC is an international friendly against Atlas FC of Mexico’s Liga MX on Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. The 5-Match Flex Plan provides fans the chance to pick the matches they’re most interested in for the rest of Minnesota United’s inaugural MLS season. Come see what all the buzz is about. 5-Match Flex Plan and other special ticket packages are available now at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.
Transaction: Minnesota United signed midfielder Sam Nicholson. Nicholson will be added to Minnesota’s roster pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa.
VITALS
Sam Nicholson
Position: Midfielder
Born: 1/20/1995 (22 years old)
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 157 lbs
Last Club: Hearts of Midlothian
Hometown: Edinburgh, Scotland
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Citizenship: Scotland
