Minnesota United, in need of a starting goalkeeper after the departure of Dayne St. Clair, picked up Drake Callender from Charlotte FC.
Charlotte gets a guaranteed $450,000 in General Allocation Money, split into $350,000 in 2026 GAM and $100,000 in 2027 GAM.
Charlotte could receive up to another $300,000 in conditional GAM and also retains a percentage of any future sale or trade of Callender, the Loons said in a news release.
“Drake brings winning experience and a strong understanding of Major League Soccer to our club,” said MNUFC Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Khaled El-Ahmad in the news release.
Said Callender: “I’ve heard great things about the fan base and the atmosphere they create at Allianz Field. It’s going to be incredibly special to get to play in front of them.”
Callender, 28, finished the 2025 MLS season with Charlotte after a stint with Inter Miami CF. With Inter Miami, he had 19 shutouts in 118 appearances and won Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield titles. He joined Charlotte on Aug. 19.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder was also named a 2022 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year finalist.
Internationally, Callender has represented the United States in Concacaf Nations League play. He’s a native of Sacramento, Calif., and played four seasons at Cal.
