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Source: German defender Jan Kirchhoff trialed with Loons

E Pluribus Loonum can confirm a report from Jeff Rueter of The Athletic that Kirchhoff spent time with the team near the end of the season.

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Southampton v Sunderland - Premier League
Kirchhoff (left) battles for the battle in a Premier League match.
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images

The solution to Minnesota United’s oft-lamented struggles in defensive midfield may have been found.

Jeff Rueter of The Athletic first reported that Jan Kirchhoff, a German defensive midfielder and centerback who played at Bayern Munich, trialed with the Loons.

Kirchhoff was present for the final week of the regular season, a source seconded to E Pluribus Loonum.

Kirchhoff was initially regarded as a high-potential defender in the German Bundesliga and received a contract from Bayern Munich. He was loaned out to Schalke, but upon returning to Bayern, he never found a place as a starter. Kirchhoff ventured then to England, where he appeared for Sunderland and Bolton. His contract at the latter expired, making him a free agent.

United would be able to sign Kirchhoff as early as December 11th at 2 p.m. when free agency begins.