TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing
Minnesota United FC today announced the club has signed Uruguayan defender Jose Aja. The 26-year-old has a Green Card and will not occupy an international spot on the Loons roster.
Aja joins the Loons from Union Espanola of Chile’s Primera Division, where he’s made five appearances since signing with them in 2019, and is returning to MLS after a year away.
He played with Orlando City SC from 2016-2017 where he made 25 MLS appearances, and moved on to play in 17 league with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2018. Aja arrives partly as cover for Brent Kallman, who will serve the remainder of a 10-match suspension after violating the league's substance abuse policy.
“Jose is another valuable piece for us to add. With Brent’s suspension early on, we feel as though we’re a little bit light at center back,” said head coach Adrian Heath in a statement. “To get somebody who’s been in the league, got a green card, has come for the opportunity of staying here long-term — we felt it was too good of an opportunity to turn down. Especially as the lad’s played in the league and knows the league inside out. He’s a big, strong, athletic centerback. I think he’ll be another huge addition to our squad.”
Aja's professional career began with Club Nacional de Futbol of Uruguay’s Primera División in 2014. While with Nacional, he spent time on loan at Racing Club de Montevideo of Uruguay’s second division from 2015-2016 and Orlando in 2016 before moving to MLS on a permanent transfer.
