MNUFC uses buyout on Ike Opara’s contract

Thursday, Minnesota United announced the club has exercised its offseason buyout on the contract of defender Ike Opara.

Opara won’t be on the team’s roster anymore but his contract will remain active until it expires in December.

"Despite concerted and ongoing efforts to resolve health concerns, we were not able to return Ike to match fitness on our timeline," MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer Manny Lagos said. "It has been a frustrating and disappointing period for all involved, made obvious by the fact that he was everything we wanted when he joined and played for the Club. He was selected as Defender of the Year during our playoff run season, and had earned a new contract. We are grateful for all he did on behalf of MNUFC, and hope that time will allow him a return to the game at which he has so excelled."