Minnesota United’s Contract Conundrum: El-Ahmad Addresses Key Players’ Futures
Minnesota United has six key players approaching the end of their contracts, and Khaled El-Ahmad, the team’s chief soccer officer, has provided updates on each of their statuses. The futures of Michael Boxall, Wil Trapp, and Robin Lod, all of whom are in the final year of their deals, have been addressed, with El-Ahmad expressing his satisfaction with their performances this season.
Veteran Players’ Futures
Boxall, Trapp, and Lod, all in their 30s, have been instrumental in leading Minnesota United to second place in the Western Conference. El-Ahmad praised Boxall, stating that he has “probably had one of his best seasons” and expressed his desire to keep him with the team for as long as possible. Similarly, El-Ahmad commended Trapp, noting that he has been “reenergized” over the past year and a half. While El-Ahmad was less forthcoming about Lod, he did acknowledge that the player has an option and that he is happy with his performance.
Contract Details and Salary Numbers
The three veteran players are on significant salary numbers, with Lod being the team’s highest-paid player at $1.68 million, followed by Boxall at $827,500, and Trapp at $554,500, according to the MLS Players Association. Despite their age and salary, El-Ahmad’s comments suggest that the team is keen to retain their services for the 2026 season, with the option to pick up their contracts for another year.
Younger Players’ Futures
In addition to the veteran players, MLS All-Star goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and emerging left wingback Anthony Markanich are set to become free agents at the end of the year. El-Ahmad expressed his desire to keep both players, stating that the team is in dialogue with them and would like them to stay. St. Clair, who is tied for second in MLS with nine clean sheets this season, is entering his prime at 28 and is expected to be a key player for Canada in the World Cup next summer.
Hassani Dotson’s Future
Hassani Dotson, who suffered a season-ending meniscus injury in March, will be a free agent at the end of the season. El-Ahmad’s comments on Dotson’s future were more guarded, with the chief soccer officer stating that the player should focus on getting healthy and that there is nothing to say about his contract situation at present. Dotson’s salary is currently $682,500, according to the MLSPA.
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