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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Jeff Rueter

‘The right place for him’: why James Rodríguez signed in Minnesota amid a federal occupation

Colombian footballer James Rodríguez poses as he is presented by Minnesota United FC
Colombian player James Rodríguez poses as he is presented by Minnesota United FC. Photograph: Minnesota United FC/MLS/Getty Images

Two weeks ago, few could’ve expected that the most notable international acquisition of the MLS offseason would be made by Minnesota United.

The team’s marquee import until last week was Finland striker Teemu Pukki, with honorable mentions for Colombian playmaker Darwin Quintero and ex-Porto midfielder Ibson. The Loons aren’t known for paying sizable transfer fees, and their wage bill last year was the league’s fifth-smallest.

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