Minnesota United fans have been clamoring this offseason for an influx of splashy new player signings, but one addition before last year’s inaugural MLS season should not be overlooked.

Finnish midfielder Rasmus Schuller was one of three players the expansion franchise acquired last January using target allocation money, an MLS fund used for higher-priced players.

Schuller’s early returns coincided with United’s dismal 5-1 loss to Portland in the club’s first MLS game and the 6-1 loss to Atlanta in the home opener in March. He didn’t have a goal or assist in seven games (three starts) through June. In August, he was loaned out for the remainder of the season to Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (HJK), a top club in Helsinki.

When the Loons loaned out Schuller, the front office stressed a remaining belief he could make a strong return with Minnesota in 2018. He is now back in the fold as the Loons have started preseason training in Blaine this week. Related Articles Houston Dynamo scores twice in 2nd half to tie Minnesota United

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“I think he will be better for having a year’s process of what went right and what went wrong for him,” United coach Adrian Heath said Wednesday. “I think that could be a real positive.”

Schuller, 26, was troubled by injures to both hips last season with the Loons. “First, it was the left (hip) and when that healed it, it was the right one,” he said. “That is how it is. Need to get the right treatment and get the right things for me to get healthy. I feel like I have those things sorted now.”

In Finland, Schuller regained his health and was a part of HJK’s run to the Finnish regular season and cup championships. He also received plenty of playing time in the Finland national team’s World Cup qualifiers.

Schuller said he agreed with United’s loan decision at the time. “I think that it played out just the way it was planned for everybody,” he said.

Heath said he and Schuller had a good conversation when he reported to training camp this week. “It’s very good to be back,” Schuller said. “I feel very comfortable and ready for the preseason.”

Schuller, who struck up a relationship with fellow Finns and Wild players Mikael Granlund and Mikko Koivu, said he acclimated to Minnesota rather quickly.

“After a couple of months, it was just other things that sort of held me back,” Schuller said. “Yeah, I feel very comfortable.”

Schuller’s move to a reserve role last spring coincided with the MLS emergence of Brazilian midfielder Ibson, who subbed on for Schuller at halftime of the 2-2 draw with Colorado on March 19. Ibson, 34, remained in the starting lineup for the rest of the season and played nearly every minute.

Besides Schuller, United also has regained the services of defensive midfielder Sam Cronin, who missed the final nine games of the season with concussion and neck injuries. While those players are raring to go, Heath said the club continues to look to add more midfielders.

“That’s an area that we’re still looking to maybe bring somebody in,” Heath said. “We still think we need … two or three players to come in and join this group. That is something that we are working on continually.”