OFFICIAL: Johan Venegas has officially been loaned to Costa Rican club Deportivo Saprissa, in somewhat of a shocking twist after nearly being confirmed with Alajuelense. The deal is for a loan, though terms have not been released.

Centerback and captain Francisco Calvo was signed to Minnesota from Saprissa.

UPDATE: La Nacion (along with other Costa Rican outlets) is reporting that Venegas has participated in at least one training session (see photo) with Alajuelense in advance of the potential future club’s Clausura season. We have contacted Minnesota United, but the club has not responded to our request for comment.

In what may be one of the least shocking rumors of the offseason, there are multiple reports out of Costa Rica stating that Minnesota United forward Johan Venegas is set to be loaned to Alajuelense.

La Prensa Libre reports that Alajuelense have confirmed their interest in Venegas. The report quotes club president Fernando Ocampo as saying [translated from Spanish], “we would all be delighted if he returned...but he has other offers.”

La Teja reports that the deal will be a loan and also shows an Instagram post from Alajuelense player Jonathan MacDonald. The post contains a photo of Venegas, MacDonald, and another Alajuense player in the club’s locker room. The post was given the hashtag #vuelveacasa (returns home) and MacDonald captioned it “vamos a hacer polemica” (we are going to create controversy).

Venegas played for Alajuelense from 2013-2015, scoring 17 goals in 72 appearances.

Possible terms of the deal are not currently known.

Continual updates will come as they are available.