MNUFC signs Swedish defender Marques

Minnesota United has announced the addition of a new defender.

Monday, the club said it signed Mikael Marques to a three-year deal that includes a club option for 2026. The Swede will occupy an international roster spot.

“Mikael comes highly recommended. Several big teams in Sweden, Norway and Denmark were starting to take an interest but we got him through a good contact of ours who felt Mikael had so much upside,” Minnesota United Head Coach Adrian Heath said. “It’s an area of the field that we’ve been trying to get more depth. Bear in mind, the three mainstays have been Michael Boxall, Brent Kallman and Bakaye Dibassy, who suffered an injury last year, so we felt as though we needed depth there. He’s 21, incredibly athletic, has played fullback, played right side in a three man backline, played right side of a four – there’s a lot of versatility there. We’re excited to get him in and we feel he’s only just started. There’s a lot of growth in him.”

Marques comes to Minnesota from AFC Eskilstuna of Superettan where he’s played 28 of 30 games, recording two assists, this season. He’s also previously played for IFK Malmo and Jönköpings Södra IF.