A native son is on his way home.
A source close to the club confirmed Tuesday that Minnesota United is set to sign Columbus Crew SC midfielder Ethan Finlay. United will acquire Finlay, who was born in Duluth, in return for general and targeted allocation money.
The 27-year-old was raised in Wisconsin, but the source says he turned down offers from other big-name clubs in order to return close to home. The 5-9, 165-pounder has played for Columbus since the club selected him 10th overall in the 2012 SuperDraft. This season, he has played 19 matches with 14 starts, scoring one goal and one assist. Overall, he's played 150 matches with 102 starts, including 30 goals and 30 assists.
Finlay started and played 90 minutes in United's 1-0 loss to Columbus back on July 4 at TCF Bank Stadium
The right winger also played collegiately at Creighton and was a Major League Soccer All-Star and Best 11 member in 2015. He has also played for the U.S. national team three times. According to the MLS Players Union, Finlay makes $290,000.
Finlay will be the fifth addition for United during this secondary transfer window, which closes Wednesday. He joins Scottish winger Sam Nicholson, New Zealand defender Michael Boxall, goalkeeper Alex Kapp and forward Brandon Allen, who is on loan from the New York Red Bulls.
