Minnesota United today announced that it has reached an agreement with Club América of Liga MX for the transfer of Darwin Quintero, who arrives to the Loons as the first Designated Player in club history. The Colombian forward will join the club pending receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC and will occupy an international spot on Minnesota’s roster.
Quintero will be presented to Minnesota media in a press conference to be held on Monday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. CT. A media advisory will be distributed. He will follow up the press event with a meet-and-greet and autograph session with fans at the Midway Target (1300 University Ave W, Saint Paul) on Tuesday, April 3 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. CT.
“Darwin makes this club better,” said MNUFC Sporting Director Manny Lagos. “As we continue to grow and develop our roster and build on our core pieces from last year, we have just added an explosive player who can change the game in an instant. He raises the level of the team in terms of attacking movement and opportunity.”
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“Bringing a player with Darwin’s quality and pedigree is another step in the right direction for this club,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He’s a player with the finishing of a striker and the vision to open play up, he’s got great technical ability and our players will enjoy playing with him. We are delighted he has decided to join — he didn’t need a lot of persuading after hearing about the club's growth, Allianz Field and our incredible fans. The fact that he has only had two different clubs in the past 10 years shows you he wants to be part of a something. He wants to help this club and this community.”
Quintero, 30, boasts immense speed and intelligence with the ball at his feet. He began his professional career with Deportes Tolima in his native country 13 years ago, in 2005, and later arrived to Club Santos Laguna in January 2009, where he developed into one of the most dangerous forwards in Mexican soccer.
After six years with Santos –– including more than 60 goals, a league title (2012 Clausura) and a Copa MX (2014 Apertura) –– he moved to Club América for the 2015 Clausura. There, Quintero played a total of 146 matches across competitions with Las Águilas, scoring 27 goals in addition to providing 23 assists. Quintero also won consecutive CONCACAF Champions League titles with América in 2015 and 2016.
At the international level, Quintero debuted with the Colombia national team on October 11, 2008 against Paraguay and scored his first goal on September 30, 2009 against Mexico.
Minnesota United’s next home match is on Saturday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. CT against Atlanta United. With just under 14,000 season ticket holders, the best way to guarantee your spot at Allianz Field is to become a season ticket holder today. Tickets available at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.
Transaction: Minnesota United signs Darwin Quintero from Club America and signs him to a Designated Player contract.
VITALS
Carlos Darwin Quintero Villalba
Position: Forward
Born: 9.19.1987 (30 years old)
Height: 5’5
Weight: 142
Last club: Club America
Birthplace: Tumaco, Colombia
Citizenship: Colombia
