Minnesota United today announced the club has signed Uruguayan defender José Aja. The 26-year-old has a Green Card and will not occupy an international spot on the Loons roster.

“Jose is another valuable piece for us to add. With Brent’s [Kallman] suspension early on, we feel as though we’re a little bit light at centerback,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “To get somebody who’s been in the league, got a Green Card, has come for the opportunity of staying here long-term — we felt it was too good of an opportunity to turn down. Especially as the lad’s played in the league and knows the league inside out. He’s a big, strong, athletic centerback. I think he’ll be another huge addition to our squad.”

Aja joins the Loons from Union Española of Chile’s Primera División, where he’s made 30 appearances since signing with them in 2019. The defender is re-joining MLS after spending one year in Chile. Aja played with Orlando City SC from 2016-2017 where he made 25 appearances and Vancouver Whitecaps in 2018 with 17 appearances and one goal. His professional career began with Club Nacional de Futbol of Uruguay’s Primera División in 2014 and he made his professional debut with 45-time First Division and three-time Copa Libertadores champion Club Nacional de Football on Aug. 30, 2014, against Tanque Sisley. While with Nacional, he spent time on loan at Racing Club de Montevideo of Uruguay’s second division from 2015-2016 and Orlando City SC in 2016.

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Transaction: Minnesota United signs defender José Aja.

VITALS

José Aja

Position: Defender

Date of birth: 05.10.1993 (26 years old)

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 187 lbs.

Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay

Citizenship: Uruguay