Report: MNUFC to Acquire Harrison Heath from Atlanta

In a move that is likely to raise more eyebrows than expectations, Minnesota United has reportedly acquired midfielder Harrison Heath from Atlanta United in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2019 SuperDraft, according to a tweet by Jeff Rueter.

Heath, the son of Loons head coach Adrian Heath, had his option declined by Atlanta at the end of the season.

Heath was born and raised in England, but holds a green card and therefore does not take up an international slot. He played with the Norwich City FC Academy in England, and signed his first pro contract with then USL side Orlando City in 2014. He stayed with Orlando through their transition to the MLS, and was traded to Atlanta in 2016.

Heath plays central midfield, which is a position of need for MNUFC, but his resume looks more like a player that needs USL experience than that of a player ready to make an impact. He has logged seven appearances, including five starts, scattered over the last three MLS seasons, and spent most of last year on loan to Orlando City B.

Reactions to the signing on Twitter and the Minnesota United subreddit ranged from positive (a decent player acquired for very little), to indignation (cries of nepotism).