Minnesota confirms Ibarra, Ramirez moves
MLS expansion side Minnesota United FC announced the signings of Miguel Ibarra and Christian Ramirez on Thursday.
The North American top flight's 22nd club revealed the moves on its website, with the New York City-born Ibarra joining after a year-and-a-half with Club Leon in LIGA MX, and Ramirez following three seasons with Minnesota's NASL outfit.
The move is both a nod to the past, and a look at the future.
*heavy breathing* #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/STCK08sP1I
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) January 5, 2017
Ibarra, 26, notched two NASL Best XI honors and the MVP Award in 2014 during a successful spell with Minnesota's pre-MLS incarnation prior to his move to the Mexican top flight.
The attacking midfielder makes the MLS switch after having his rights swapped by the Portland Timbers in a December trade that saw shot-stopper Jeff Attinella go the other way.
Ramirez, 25, kicked off his professional career with the USL's Charlotte Eagles before making the jump to Minnesota's NASL side, where the California native bagged 51 goals in three seasons, including league-leading tallies of 18 and 20 in in 2016 and 2014, respectively.
Minnesota embarks on its maiden MLS voyage with a March 3 visit to Portland.