Minnesota United is interested in signing 20-year-old Dutch right back Cherrion Valerius from club NAC Breda, a source confirmed to the Pioneer Press on Thursday.
MNUFC’s preseason pursuit of a right back could be filled by Valerius, a 6-foot-4 prospect with 34 games experience in the Dutch top flight, the Eredivsie. The Loons have been targeting a new player for that defensive position, which, in turn, would allow last year’s primary right back, Bongi Hlongwane, to return to more-natural attacking positions.
The potential transfer fee from MNUFC to NAC Breda for Valerius, and whether the Rotterdam native will occupy an Under-22 Initiative roster spot, are not yet known.
Dutch reporter Joost Blaauwhof first reported the Valerius news on Thursday. He said Valerius has drawn interest from Scotland and Spain’s La Liga, but the Loons came first with a “substantial amount.”
The outlet BN DeStem said NAC Breda coach Carl Hoefkens did not deny the interest in Valerius, which it said also included clubs in Italy. Hoefkens assumed Valerius would be able to play against PSV Eindhoven on Saturday; a player being taken out of an upcoming lineup can be seen as a sign of an imminent move elsewhere.
The Loons have signed one player from outside MLS this winter, 21-year-old Colombian winger Mauricio Gonzalez. His addition through the 2029-30 season was made official on Tuesday.
