Loons Eye St. Louis Expansion Draft

Minnesota United is reportedly in advanced talks to send two players to St. Louis City. The Pioneer Press confirmed the developing situation on Sunday.

winger/wingback Sang Bin Jeong is expected to make a permanent move to St. Louis. Defender Devin Padelford is also slated to join the Western conference club,though on a loan basis.

A source close to the situation stressed that the deals were not yet finalized. these transactions appear to be preparatory moves ahead of the summer transfer window opening on July 24.

Neither Jeong nor Padelford were part of Minnesota United’s 20-man squad for their recent 4-1 victory over San Jose.

Jeong, a 23-year-old south Korean who recently obtained his U.S.Green Card, has faced scoring challenges this season.He has yet to register a goal in 319 minutes of MLS play. He was recently ineffective in 45 minutes during the team’s U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal win.

Earlier reports linked Jeong with a move to Malmo. However, the Swedish club reportedly declined Minnesota’s $2 million transfer fee. Additionally, an Eastern conference MLS club had previously expressed interest in the speedy winger.

In his first season with Minnesota in 2023, Jeong recorded two goal contributions in 962 minutes. He was more productive in the 2024 season, tallying six goals and one assist across 2,171 minutes.

Jeong’s inconsistency has been attributed,in part,to his movement between wingback and his preferred forward position during his time in Minnesota.

Padelford, a homegrown player from Maplewood, has struggled to secure consistent playing time with the first team this year.After receiving 1,589 minutes last season, his role has diminished.

The 22-year-old defender has found himself lower on the depth chart in 2024. This is partly due to a positional shift from left wingback to center back. He has played only 105 minutes in four appearances this season.

• Who are the Minnesota United players reportedly moving to st. Louis City?

  Winger/wingback sang Bin Jeong and defender Devin Padelford are reportedly involved in moves to St. Louis city. jeong is expected to move permanently, while Padelford is anticipated to join on loan.

• Are the transfers of Sang Bin Jeong and Devin Padelford finalized?

  A source emphasized that the deals were not yet finalized as of Sunday.

• What has been Sang Bin Jeong’s performance this season?

  Jeong has struggled in front of goal this season, not scoring in 319 MLS minutes. He also had an ineffectual performance in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal.

• How has Devin Padelford’s playing time changed?

  Padelford’s playing time has significantly decreased this season. He has played only 105 minutes across four matches in 2024, compared to 1,589 minutes last year, following a positional switch to center back.

What are your thoughts on these potential player movements? share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific player contracts on MNUFC are most vulnerable to being exposed in the expansion draft due to expiring terms or high salaries?

Loons Eye St. Louis Expansion Draft: A Deep Dive for MNUFC Fans

Understanding the St.Louis City SC Expansion Draft Landscape

The impending St.Louis City SC expansion draft presents a unique chance – and potential challenges – for Minnesota United FC. As St. Louis prepares to build its inaugural roster,MNUFC will need to strategically protect key players and assess which assets might be valuable trade bait. This article breaks down everything Loons fans need to know about the St. Louis expansion draft, including potential players exposed, roster protection rules, and possible trade scenarios. We’ll cover MLS expansion draft strategy, MNUFC roster analysis, and the implications for the 2025 MLS season.

Roster Protection Rules: What MNUFC Needs to Know

The MLS expansion draft rules are crucial for understanding how MNUFC will navigate this process. HereS a breakdown:

Protected Players: Each team can protect a maximum of 12 players. These players are off-limits to St. Louis City SC in the draft.

Senior Roster Spots: Players occupying senior roster spots (those not on reserve lists or academy contracts) are prime candidates for protection.

Homegrown Players: Generally, teams can protect a certain number of homegrown players in addition to the 12-player limit.

Draft Order: The draft order is resolute by the reverse order of the 2024 MLS standings, giving the teams with the worst records first pick.

Draft Timing: The expansion draft is scheduled for December 12, 2024.

Understanding these rules is paramount for MNUFC’s front office as they formulate their protection list. Failing to adequately protect key contributors could significantly impact the team’s performance.

potential Loons Exposed in the Expansion Draft

Identifying players potentially exposed is key to predicting St. Louis’s draft strategy. Several Loons players could be attractive targets for St. Louis, depending on MNUFC’s protection choices.

Midfield Depth: Players like Hassani Dotson and Jan Gregus could be considered if MNUFC prioritizes protecting othre positions. Their experience and versatility make them valuable assets.

Defensive Options: Depending on the status of current defenders, players like Bakaye Dibassy might be vulnerable.

Young Prospects: Players who haven’t consistently featured in the starting XI,but possess potential,could be exposed to give them a fresh start.

Contract Considerations: Players with expiring contracts or those on larger salaries might be more likely to be left unprotected.

Analyzing player contracts and performance data will be vital for MNUFC in making these difficult decisions. The MNUFC depth chart will be a critical factor.

Trade Possibilities: Leveraging the Expansion Draft

The expansion draft isn’t just about losing players; it’s also an opportunity to gain assets. MNUFC could proactively trade players who are likely to be drafted to secure allocation money, draft picks, or even other players.

Targeted Allocation money: St. Louis might be willing to pay a premium for a player they believe can immediately contribute.

Future Draft Picks: MNUFC could negotiate for future draft picks, providing flexibility in subsequent drafts.

Player swaps: A trade could involve swapping players, allowing MNUFC to address specific needs in their roster.

Negotiating with St.Louis: Open communication with St. Louis’s front office is crucial to understanding their priorities and identifying potential trade partners.

This proactive approach could turn a potential loss into a strategic gain for the Loons. MLS trade rumors surrounding the expansion draft will be closely watched.

St. Louis City SC: Scouting Their Potential Needs

To anticipate St. Louis’s draft strategy, it’s crucial to understand their roster-building priorities.Early indications suggest they will be looking to fill gaps in:

Central Midfield: Building a strong midfield is crucial