Minnesota United: Colombian defender adds key depth

It is being reported by Colombian media sources that Minnesota United are interested in a young Colombian defender. What does this mean for the club?

We have our first Minnesota United transfer rumor of the offseason, a story that was first reported by Colombian source Fichajes Del PFC on Twitter, that has since been picked up by E Pluribus Loonum.

Minnesota United are reportedly interested in 23-year-old Colombian defender Eddie Segura of Atletico Huila, who play in Colombia’s top flight.

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The story becomes even more believable when you consider Jeff Rueter’s report that the club has been scouting in Colombia recently, among other places.

A center-back who can also play as a right back, Segura made 23 appearances for Atletico Huila in the Colombian first division this season and even assumed the role of club captain later on in the season.

At his age, being named club captain says a lot about his character and leadership abilities. Minnesota should be excited about that, certainly. Segura is a smaller center-back at about 5’11”, but he has a lot of athleticism and solid positioning to make up for his smaller stature. So, how does this affect the team’s depth?

In making this signing, it is likely that Minnesota native Brent Kallman would make way for Segura in the starting XI, with Michael Boxall, Francisco Calvo, and Eric Miller rounding out the starting back four.

This would improve the club’s defensive depth as well, as Kallman could be a bench option, along with Wyatt Omsberg. The Loons have long been in search of defensive depth, and if Segura does prove to an improvement over Kallman, it will only mean good things for the state of the defense, which was one of the league’s worst last season.

Will Minnesota United sign a third Colombian? How will he adjust to MLS and can he be a consistent starter for the Loons? These questions and more will be answered as the winter transfer window nears.