Orlando City trades Molino, McLain to Minnesota in big-money deal
The first-ever MLS signing in Orlando City's history is on the move.
The club announced Thursday that attacking midfielder Kevin Molino, along with shot-stopper Patrick McLain, have been shipped to expansion side Minnesota United in exchange for $450,000 in General Allocation Money and $200,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.
According to Alicia DelGallo of the Orlando Sentinel, the allocation money changing hands makes this one of the biggest trades in league history.
Should Minnesota ship Molino to a club outside of MLS at any point, Orlando will pocket an undisclosed percentage of the transfer fee.
Molino, 26, was a standout performer during his time with the Lions. Including his - and the club's - tenure in USL Pro, he leaves Orlando as its leader in goals (42) and assists (31). He made 140 appearances for the Florida-based side.
In making the move to Minnesota, the Trinidadian links up with former head coach Adrian Heath, with whom he worked under from 2011-16 when the bench boss was at the helm of Orlando.
"I spoke with Adrian and he asked me if I wanted to be a part of Minnesota United and join the team and that was it - I have worked with him for a long time, so it was an easy decision," Molino said of the move. "I know what Adrian expects from me and I am really excited to join the club and build a relationship with my new teammates, coaches, and the fans."
Molino, who will be relied upon heavily to craft chances for Minnesota during its inaugural season, was praised heavily by Heath, who said: "Where do you start with Kevin (Molino) as a player, he has incredible touch on the ball, can score goals, can create goals, he has great balance, there's nothing he can't do with a football.
"In my opinion he's the best player in his position in the country."
In addition to Molino, the Loons add much-needed goalkeeper depth to the roster in the form of McLain, who has spent the majority of his career in USL.
Orlando, meanwhile, will now begin the process of replacing Molino's production using the hefty allocation funds procured in the trade.