Darwin Quintero traded to Houston Dynamo

Just prior to the MLS two day trade window closing tonight at 7PM CT, Minnesota United sealed a trade to send midfielder Darwin Quintero to Houston Dynamo. In exchange for Quintero, the Loons will receive a total of $600,000 in allocation money split up over two years. The club will get $150,000 in GAM and another $150,000 TAM in 2020 and again in 2021 from Houston. Houston has also sent midfielder Marlon Hairston to Minnesota while MNUFC has sent Dynamo a third round pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft as well as part of the deal.

Quintero was acquired from Club América prior to the 2018 season, and joined the Loons as the team’s first ever designated player. Over the two full seasons with the club Darwin made 64 appearances for club throughout all competitions. In those 64 appearances he scored 27 goals and garnered another 20 assists over a total of 5,067 minutes.

“First off, we want to thank Darwin for everything he has given this club,” said MNUFC Technical Director Mark Watson. “He has been an important piece in the growth of our organization and has given our fans a lot to cheer for over the years. We wish him nothing but the best in Houston. This is a great deal for our club and this trade puts us in a position with a lot roster flexibility and the opportunity to bring in key influential players in the attack. In addition to this roster flexibility, we have added an experienced young player who can play different positions all over the field. Marlon Hairston is a versatile and athletic MLS veteran who will join an already deep roster and will make an immediate impact in our club.”

Marlon Hairston joins Minnesota United after playing the 2019 season for Houston Dynamo, making 18 appearances in all competitions. Over the 792 minutes he played for Dynamo he gathered just a single assist and no goals. The 25 year old Mississippi native has been playing professionally since 2015, spending most of his time with Colorado Rapids prior to joining Houston this past season.

Stay tuned to E Pluribus Loonum for more offseason updates on Minnesota United FC.