The MLS summer transfer window opens July 18, and for Minnesota United, it can’t arrive soon enough.

On top of upwards of 10 players out for injury, suspensions and international duties over the past month, the Loons have had three players transferred out since May.

“We need to strengthen,” head coach Eric Ramsay told the Pioneer Press on Friday. “I don’t think anyone can look at the squad and say that isn’t the case. Of course, the club’s intention is to really do so.”

How many players and how high of a profile the potential additions might hold has yet to materialize. But new Chief Soccer Officer Khaled El-Ahmad and staff are expected to have a busy five weeks before the transfer window closes on Aug. 14.

“That is really active behind the scenes at the moment,” Ramsay said. “And I think everyone will, of course, really appreciate reinforcements and something the players can really grab on to as a step in the right direction.”

The exits of Emanuel Reynoso (Tijuana in Mexico), Kervin Arriaga (Partizan in Serbia) and Victor Eriksson (Hammarby in Sweden) will provide additional resources (primarily salary spending and international roster spots) for MNUFC to add this summer.

Given the club-record five-match losing streak, MNUFC will look to add more players as soon as possible.

The Loons might add a Designated Player, Under-22 Initiative signings and other players. They have already signed winger Sam Shashoua for the summer window; he has been training with the first team for the past month and will be able to debut July 20 versus San Jose.

New goalkeeping director

The Loons’ new goalkeeping director, Thomas Fawdry, has arrived in Blaine and led his first training session Friday.

Fawdry arrives from Bansley FC, where he worked under El-Ahmad since September 2021. Fawdry, 37, is from England and has experience in New Zealand and Australia, primarily with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.

“He’s got a good reputation (in England) as someone that is innovative, forward thinking, that has had an interesting career,” Ramsay said. “He’s someone, I think, who will bring a lot of ideas to the table and complement what we’ve already got.”

Fawdry will oversee goalies throughout MNUFC’s system and will work with the first team. Interim first-team goalkeeping coach Cristiano Costa will continue to work with the first team as well as the second team. Jonathan Barber will work with the second team and academy keepers.

MNUFC is expected to soon announce Fawdry’s addition.

Why Rosales?

When MNUFC was awarded a penalty kick in the 3-1 loss to Vancouver on Wednesday, midfielder Joseph Rosales was the surprise PK taker.

“That’s the players having decided that,” Ramsay explained. “I wouldn’t have big problems with Joe taking the penalty. Obviously you see he is a player with high-level technical ability, he strikes the ball well with composure and confidence.”

The PK from Rosales was not well hit and easily saved by Yohei Takaoka.

Without Reynoso as an obvious PK taker this season, it’s an open opportunity for other players. The Loons have had one previous PK this season, and Will Trapp scored from the spot in the 5-3 loss to FC Dallas on June 19. Trapp, however, wasn’t available Wednesday due to a hamstring injury.

Briefly

Loons striker Teemu Pukki trained Friday and is in line for a return from a knee injury for Sunday night’s game at L.A. Galaxy. The Finnish national team player was hurt in an exhibition against Scotland during the FIFA international break in early June. He has missed all the games in MNUFC’s month-long skid. … Loons goalie Alec Smir and Vancouver midfielder Sebastian Berhalter played together at the University of North Carolina, so when Berhalter scored on Smir on Wednesday, it came with bittersweet feelings. “He scored a fantastic goal, so I was giving him a tough time for that,” Smir said after chatting with Berhalter at Allianz Field postgame. “But it was a great goal. Good to see him, great guy. He apologized because he knew it was (my) debut, feels bad. But at the same time, happy for him.”

Related Articles

New low: Loons set club record losing streak in 3-1 loss to Vancouver

Minnesota United vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: Keys to the match, projected starting XI and a prediction

Minnesota United: ‘Brilliant’ midfielder Robin Lod selected for MLS All-Star Game

Loons need to have another ‘difficult conversation’ with defender DJ Taylor

Loons limp to 3-2 loss in Portland as losing streak reaches four matches