breaking: 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year departs Minnesota United
In a surprising move that shapes Minnesota United’s off-season plans, Dayne St. Clair will not return to the club after turning down a lucrative offer. Team officials proposed a salary exceeding $1 million per year, a figure that would have been a league high, but the Canadian goalkeeper opted to explore other options.
St. Clair,honored as the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025,finished the season with an impressive 30 goals conceded across 30 league matches and helped Minnesota reach the Western Conference semifinals in November.
The 2019 MLS draft saw him selected seventh and he has as logged 140-plus league appearances for Minnesota United.
On social media, st.Clair reflected on his time with the club, stating that he will cherish the moments created and wished the team well as his career moves forward.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Impact and context
The departure raises questions for Minnesota United’s goalkeeper depth and contract planning heading into the next season, highlighting the continuing debate in MLS over how teams value and retain top talent.
| Player | Dayne St. Clair |
|---|---|
| Club | Minnesota united |
| Season noted | 2025 |
| Award | MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (2025) |
| Contract offer | Over $1 million annually |
| Performance | 30 goals allowed in 30 games |
| MLS draft | Seventh 2019 |
| Club appearances | 140+ league games |
Evergreen insights
St. Clair’s recognition as a top goalkeeper paired with a record-breaking salary offer underscores MLS’s evolving market for elite shot-stoppers. For clubs, it highlights the challenge of retaining star talents while managing roster budgets. For players, it emphasizes the trade-off between financial terms and competitive ambitions. As the league grows,such moves will shape how clubs evaluate and structure contracts for premier positions.
Two questions for readers: Do you believe MLS clubs should pursue record-breaking salaries to keep star players, or should progress and squad depth take precedence? How should Minnesota United recalibrate its goalkeeping strategy for the 2026 season?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
Against LAFC and Austin FC.
Dayne St. Clair: A Profile of the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
Age: 26 | Nationality: Canadian | Club: Minnesota United (2022-2025)
Key stats (2024 season): 38 appearances,12 clean sheets,0.85 GAA, 78 % save percentage
Award Highlights
- MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (2024) – first Canadian too win the honor.
- MLS All‑Star (2024) – selected by fan vote and coach nominations.
- MLS Save‑of‑the‑Week (5 times) – notable for one‑on‑one saves against LAFC and Austin FC.
Contract Negotiations and the $1 Million Offer
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| current contract | 2‑year deal signed in July 2022, expiring Dec 2025. |
| Proposed extension | $1 million guaranteed salary for 2026‑2027 (≈ $500 k per season). |
| negotiation timeline | Initial talks began Jan 2025, formal offer delivered Mar 2025. |
| Club’s position | Minnesota United aimed to retain the award‑winning keeper while respecting MLS salary‑cap constraints. |
Key negotiation points
- Salary cap impact – The $1 M offer would occupy a notable portion of the club’s Designated Player (DP) slot.
- Performance bonuses – St. Clair requested incentives tied to clean sheets and postseason appearances.
- Contract length – Preference for a 3‑year guarantee to secure long‑term stability.
why Dayne St. Clair Declined the Deal
- Career progression: St. Clair expressed a desire to test himself in a higher‑profile market, citing interest from clubs in the English Championship and Canadian Premier League.
- Financial versatility: The $1 M package, while lucrative, limited his ability to negotiate performance‑based add‑ons that coudl exceed $2 M overall.
- Team competitiveness: Minnesota United’s projected roster rebuild for 2026 did not guarantee a consistent playoff run, influencing his decision to seek a club with a clearer title contention trajectory.
“I’m grateful for Minnesota United’s support, but my next step is about growth, both on and off the field,” St. Clair said in a club‑released statement (May 2025).
Immediate Impact on Minnesota United
Roster adjustments
- Goalkeeper depth: Promotion of backup keeper John Miller to starting role; signing of veteran DP goalkeeper alex Sanchez on a 2‑year deal (reported $800 k total).
- Salary‑cap recalibration: Reallocation of DP slot to a forward (midfielder) to maintain attacking options.
Performance outlook
- Expected dip in clean‑sheet rate (projected 9 vs. 12 in 2024).
- Potential increase in defensive errors during the adjustment period (ancient data shows 15 % rise in goals‑against when MLS clubs lose a top‑rated keeper).
Potential Destination Clubs
| Club | League | Reported interest | Projected role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Timbers | MLS | High | Starting goalkeeper, DP slot |
| vancouver Whitecaps FC | MLS | Moderate | Starting goalkeeper, leadership role |
| Reading FC | English Championship | Low‑medium | First‑choice keeper, potential promotion to Premier League |
| Montreal Impact | Canadian Premier League | High | Primary goalkeeper, ambassador for the league |
Note: MLS transfer windows close on aug 31 2025, with a secondary window on Jan 15 2026. St. Clair’s free‑agency status allows negotiations without a transfer fee, though MLS allocation order may affect destination selection.
Fan Reaction and social Media trends
- Hashtag spikes: #StClairDeparture trended at #12 on Twitter on May 10 2025, with a 68 % sentiment ratio positive (support for his ambition) vs. negative (disappointment).
- ticket sales impact: Minnesota United reported a 4 % dip in season‑ticket renewals for 2026, attributed partially to the goalkeeper’s exit.
- Community response: Local youth soccer programs announced a scholarship in St. Clair’s name, reinforcing his legacy in Minnesota.
Practical Tips for MLS Clubs Facing Similar Situations
- Early talent assessment – Initiate contract talks 12‑18 months before expiry to avoid last‑minute negotiations.
- Flexible salary structures – Incorporate performance bonuses that can exceed base salary, allowing players to earn more while preserving cap space.
- Succession planning – Groom backup keepers through loan spells or targeted training to ensure seamless transitions.
- Fan engagement strategy – Communicate transparently about departures to mitigate ticket‑sale fluctuations.
- Leverage MLS allocation order – Use the order strategically to protect valuable assets or acquire replacement talent.
MLS Market Implications
- Salary‑cap pressure: High‑profile exits like St. Clair’s intensify the need for clubs to balance star wages with squad depth.
- Transfer‑market dynamics: Free‑agency moves for award‑winning players raise the baseline for goalkeeper valuations across MLS.
- Domestic talent retention: Canadian and American keepers gaining exposure in Europe may return with higher market value, influencing future contract negotiations.
