Minnesota lands winger Josh Gatt

After a spell plying his trade in Europe, Michigan-born winger Josh Gatt is returning to the Midwest.

Gatt becomes Minnesota United's latest signing, with the MLS expansion side announcing the move for the 25-year-old with a statement on its website Wednesday.

"Josh has been on the American soccer radar for years," sporting director Manny Lagos said Wednesday. "He's a young player, who left for Europe to build his career. He's had some really good moments, and a couple of tough injuries."

After spending some time in Scandinavia scouting for the club ahead of its maiden voyage in North America's top flight, Lagos would know better than most.

"But I think this situation lines up perfectly, in regards to where Josh is as a player, and what we're doing as a club," Lagos added.

Gatt becomes the latest Scandinavian-based or -born player to join Minnesota after a six-year spell with Norwegian top-tier side Molde. Shot-stopper John Alvbage (Sweden), midfielders Rasmus Schuller (Finland) and Mohammed Saeid (Sweden), and Danish forward Bashkim Kadrii have all been added to Adrian Heath's squad for the March 3 opener at Portland Timbers.

Not short on confidence, Gatt described his play as "fast," adding, "Aggressive. Attacking. Risky. When I was a kid, my coach always told my parents that I was a high risk, high reward type player. I'm not the type of person who will take it in my own box and try to go up the field alone. I'm a player who, if I see an opening, I'll take it."