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Jeff, we barely knew ya. Minnesota United traded their fourth selection in the Expansion Draft to the Portland Timbers in exchange for their second-round pick in the 2018 SuperDraft. Also rumored to be included in the deal was the discovery rights to fan-favorite former Loon Miguel Ibarra.
On the face of it, trading our potential starting goalkeeper for a second round pick in next year’s draft doesn’t make a ton of sense. But as our friends at Stumptown Footy point out, Portland hold Ibarra’s discovery rights. Them agreeing not to stand in the way of Ibarra returning to Minnesota would make this trade worth it.
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FiftyFive.One reported last Friday that Timbers were in discussions with United to acquire Attinella, and that Miguel Ibarra’s discovery rights would be part of that deal.
Their discovery claim on him gives the Timbers the right of first refusal on Ibarra should he return to MLS. If Minnesota try to sign him and they agree not to exercise that right, then the road would be paved for Ibarra to come home.