The transfer window may have closed on August 4, but MNUFC’s latest signings are only just beginning to get into the swing of things around here. As newcomers Ménder García and Jonathan González start to settle in and become part of the squad, let’s take a closer look at what the Loons have added to their arsenal with these two.

Ménder García:

While Minnesota United’s goal scoring has taken off lately, attack is one area where you can never have too many riches. The addition of 24-year-old Colombian forward Ménder García as a Restricted Designated Player will add a lightning-quick finisher to the front line, just in time for the final stretch of the season.

García has spent the entirety of his professional career in the Colombian Categoría Primera A, the first division of Colombian professional soccer. Since 2017, he has represented Once Caldas, a team located in Manizales, Colombia. Across 112 games for the club, García scored 22 goals and added 8 assists.

On top of his first-team experience and goal touch, García presents his new team with several desirable attributes. His ability to play across the front line gives MNUFC more flexibility, as he can slot in as either a winger or striker when necessary. When pairing his blazing speed with intelligent forward runs, he is sure to cause havoc for any MLS defense he faces. With a resume like this, it seems like García has all the pieces to make an immediate impact in the team.

Versatility and athleticism are great to find in any player, but even better in a young player. At just 24, García will have time to continue developing into the prime of his career during his time with Minnesota United. He will give the team another piece to build around as they navigate the coming seasons, alongside younger players like Kervin Arriaga, Joseph Rosales, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, among others.

Jonathan González:

While García will bolster the forward ranks, Jonathan González has been brought in to help in the middle of the park. The 23-year-old Mexican central midfielder has all the tools to become a dominant number eight, but his attributes make him an ideal option for any midfield role. Though he is most comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker in the CDM position, he is equally effective in a more advanced role or as part of a double pivot.

An impressive passing range, fantastic awareness on the ball, and willingness to work hard have set this player apart in the past. When he wins the ball, he has both the ability and intelligence to find an outlet quickly.

For such a young player, González’s career has already gotten a fair amount of publicity. Growing up, he was part of several US youth national teams, all the way up to the U20 team. At that time, though, González filed a one-time switch of nationality with FIFA to represent the Mexican national team instead. Once seen as the future of El Tri, González has earned just three caps for his new national team.

Currently, González is on loan from Liga MX side Monterrey. This will be his third loan spell since signing there, as well as his first professional playing experience outside of Mexico. While his career hasn’t played out exactly the way everyone may have expected thus far, the vision and understanding of the game that González has flashed promise that he is anything but finished. As the season progresses, MNUFC will be evaluating his play to determine whether or not they would like to turn this loan into a permanent deal.

With these two added to the squad, MNUFC closed this summer transfer window with three new signings in total: González, García, and right-back Alan Benítez. For more information on Benítez, click here. Otherwise, get ready to see how these new faces help the Loons as they race to the finish line.