Minnesota United announced today that the club has acquired versatile defender Cherrion Valerius on loan from NAC Breda through the end of 2026, with a permanent transfer option. Valerius will occupy an international roster spot and will join the Loons pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). His loan deal was completed prior to the close of the Secondary Transfer Window.
“Cherrion is a high-upside young player who has already gained significant high-level experience for someone his age,” said MNUFC Interim Sporting Director Hank Stebbins. “We’re excited to welcome him to the club, get him integrated with the group, and support his continued development.”
Cherrion Valerius joins Minnesota United from Dutch second division side NAC Breda, where, at just 20 years of age, he has featured in 48 senior-team matches and played over 3,400 minutes with NAC across all competitions since the 2024-25 season. Valerius has played for NAC since he joined their youth side in 2018 from Spartaan'20. With NAC’s youth teams, Valerius played in over 70 matches before earning his senior contract with the Dutch club in 2024.
Internationally, Valerius represents Curaçao and has earned one call-up to the Caribbean nation’s senior team in September 2024 during Concacaf Nations League B fixtures.
Transaction: Minnesota United acquires defender Cherrion Valerius on loan from NAC Breda through the end of 2026, with a permanent transfer option. Minnesota acquired Valerius' Discovery Priority from Red Bull New York in exchange for Devin Padelford on loan through the remainder of the 2026 season.
VITALS
Cherrion Valerius
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: 9/22/2005 (20 years old)
Height: 6’4”
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Hometown: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Citizenship: Curaçao and Netherlands
Previous Club: NAC Breda
