Minnesota United wasted little time identifying and addressing their needs upon the secondary transfer window opening. In addition to signing Sam Nicholson and Michael Boxall, the Loons have brought in New York Red Bulls forward Brandon Allen on a loan deal that includes an option to purchase his contract at the end of the 2017 MLS season.
Inter-league loans in MLS have been a rarity since the league established rules allowing them in the 2013 season. Since then, only four players have gone on loan to another team in the league – a list that includes the likes of Eriq Zavaleta, Zac MacMath, and Ryan Meara.