TRANSFER TRACKER: Trade
Superman's flying to the City of Angels.
In an evening surprise, Minnesota United FC sent forward Christian Ramirez -- one of the young MLS club's most closely identifiable players -- to LAFC for up to $1 million in allocation money: $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in both 2018 and 2019, $100,000 in 2018 Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), $200,000 in 2019 TAM, and up to $200,000 in future allocation money based on the player’s performance.
“To be able to add a proven MLS goal scorer in Christian is a win for us,” said LAFC EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager John Thorrington in a statement. “He is a player we have monitored for a while and are incredibly excited to welcome him home to Los Angeles.”
A Garden Grove, California native, Ramirez has tallied 7 goals and 2 assists in 20 games (17 starts) this season, after posting 14 goals and 3 assists in the club's expansion campaign. Overall, he's played parts of five seasons for the Loons, scoring 74 goals across all competitions, twice winning the NASL Golden Boot (2014, '16) to go with three appearances in that league's Best XI ('14-16).
“The most important thing is we thank him for what he has done for Minnesota United,” said MNUFC head coach Adrian Heath in a statement. “He has been a big part of the growth of this club and his legacy here will remain intact. He’s been a wonderful player to work with and I know he will have continued success back home in California. We wish him well.”
In recognition of Ramirez's prolific run with the club, released a tribute video on social media:
