The Pukki party has officially fizzled out.
Minnesota United said Friday it has bought out striker Teemu Pukki’s contract and has transferred him to HJK Helsinki for an undisclosed fee.
Pukki came to Minnesota from England with the reputation for creating celebrations with his goal scoring, but that fell off in 2024. The Finnish international had 10 goals in 1,031 minutes in 2023 after joining the Loons midway through the season, but had only four goals in 939 minutes last fall.
MNUFC used one of its two contract buyouts in 2024 on Pukki and his exit clears a Designated Player spot. He was signed on a two-and-a-half year contract through June. Hi was earning a team-high $3.5 million salary in 2023-24, according to the MLS Players Association, and his pro-rated salary for 2025 was approximately $1.5 million.
Pukki, 34, was acquired from Norwich City as a final piece by then-manager Adrian Heath to play with creative midfielders Emanuel Reynoso and Robin Lod, but that three-pronged partnership never materialized in 2023.
In 2024, Pukki’s playing time fell off with the emergence of Tani Oluwasey and arrival of Kelvin Yeboah. He also dealt with injuries last season under new head coach Eric Ramsay.
Pukki’s exit also clears one international and senior roster spot apiece.
Related Articles
Minnesota United: Adrian Heath opens up about his firing and looks back on his career
Loons’ protected and unprotected players for MLS expansion draft
Loons reward Tani Oluwaseyi with new contract
Minnesota United: A look into Khaled El-Ahmad’s competitiveness and process on gamedays
Minnesota United vs. Real Salt Lake: Keys to the match, revealing quote and a prediction
Leave a Reply