Minnesota United has completed one of its main loose ends going into next season. The Loons and wingback Anthony Markanich have agreed to a new contract, a source told the Pioneer Press this weekend.
Markanich was set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season, but will now remain a member of the Loons for years to come. In July, The Athletic reported Markanich’s camp was “entertaining pre-contract offers from abroad,” including one Belgian club, per Tom Bogert.
Markanich is earning near the league minimum at $104,000 in guaranteed compensation, according to the MLS Players Association. He will receive a raise in his new deal.
Markanich is one of six key players with up-in-the-air futures with the club. MLS All-Star goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and injured midfielder Hassani Dotson will be free agents, while veterans Michael Boxall, Wil Trapp and Robin Lod are under club options for 2026.
Markanich, a 25-year-old Illinois native, has developed into a mainstay at left wingback under head coach Eric Ramsay. His play along the back line has allowed Joseph Rosales to move into central midfield in August.
Markanich has contributed six goals and one primary assists in more than 1,500 minutes across 26 matches, including 19 starts. He has added two goals in the U.S. Open Cup and one more in Leagues Cup this year.
He has received good marks in defensive stats compared to other fullbacks, per his FBref.com scouting report.
Ramsay said he was impressed with Markanich’s tenacity to score, particularly on set pieces, during training sessions a year ago and that is has come to fruition this year.
The Loons acquired Markanich in a deadline-day trade from St. Louis City last August. The Loons paid a paltry $50,000 in GAM (General Allocation Money) to St. Louis for Markanich, with St. Louis able to receive $100,000 more if performance metrics were met.
Markanich didn’t register a goal nor an assist in only 62 minutes for Minnesota last year.
The Colorado Rapids drafted the Illinois native 26th overall in the 2022 MLS draft. After a career at Northern Illinois, he played 574 minutes across two years for Colorado and then 1,968 in two years for St. Louis. He had only one goal and no primary assists over that four-year span.
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