Minnesota United has used its one offseason buyout on defender Ike Opara. While Opara will no longer occupy a spot on the team’s roster, his contract will remain active through the full term of the agreement, which is set to end in December this year.

“Despite concerted and ongoing efforts to resolve health concerns, we were not able to return Ike to match fitness on our timeline,” said MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer, Manny Lagos. “It has been a frustrating and disappointing period for all involved, made obvious by the fact that he was everything we wanted when he joined and played for the Club. He was selected as Defender of the Year during our playoff run season, and had earned a new contract. We are grateful for all he did on behalf of MNUFC, and hope that time will allow him a return to the game at which he has so excelled.”