Minnesota United today announced that the club has traded forward Christian Ramirez to Los Angeles Football Club in exchange for $250,000 in General Allocation Money in 2018, $250,000 in General Allocation Money in 2019, $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2018, $200,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2019 and up to $200,000 in future Allocation Money based on the player’s performance.
Ramirez, 27, scored 74 goals across competitions during his five-year run with Minnesota in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and Major League Soccer (MLS), the most in club history. He led the Loons in scoring during the team’s inaugural season in MLS, contributing 14 goals in 30 appearances (27 starts), including a second-half brace in the 4-2 victory versus Real Salt Lake on April 1 and the winner against Orlando City SC on May 27 among other standout performances. Additionally, he earned MLS Team of the Week appearances in Week 5 and Week 29 of the 2017 campaign. So far in 2018, Ramirez has scored seven goals and assisted on two other occasions in 20 appearances (17 starts), making the MLS Team of the Week in Week 21 with a goal in the 2-1 result over New England Revolution on July 18 and a brace and an assist in the 5-1 win versus LAFC on July 22.
“The most important thing is we thank him for what he has done for Minnesota United,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He has been a big part of the growth of this club and his legacy here will remain intact. He’s been a wonderful player to work with and I know he will have continued success back home in California. We wish him well.”
During his NASL tenure, Ramirez racked up three-straight NASL Best XI awards (2014–16), two NASL Golden Boot Awards (2014, 2016), a Young Player of the Year Award (2014) and the Goal of the Year Award in 2014. He was also the first player in club history to cross the 50-goal mark.
“I think it’s a feel-good story for both sides,” added MNUFC Sporting Director Manny Lagos. “You have a young man who became a very good soccer player and launched his professional career with Minnesota United. We’re excited that he was a part of some really special years with us in NASL and MLS and it’s somebody we’ve been very proud to have as a part of our club for years and we are happy to give him an opportunity to go back home to California to continue his career. Moving forward, this benefits us as a club with resources to put toward building for the future.”
Minnesota United’s next home match is on Saturday, September 22 against the Portland Timbers at 7:00 p.m. CT. Season tickets for 2019 at Allianz Field might be sold out, but you can join The Preserve, the official Allianz Field Waiting List, and enjoy terrific benefits today. Visit MNUFC.COM for more information.
Transaction: Minnesota United trades forward Christian Ramirez to Los Angeles Football Club in exchange for $250,000 in General Allocation Money in 2018, $250,000 in General Allocation Money in 2019, $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2018, $200,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2019 and up to $200,000 in future Allocation Money based on the player’s performance.
VITALS
Christian Ramirez
Position: Forward
Born: 4.4.1991 (27)
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 187 lbs.
Last Club: Minnesota United
Hometown: Santa Ana, California
Birthplace: Garden Grove, California
Citizenship: U.S.
