The Daily Dirt, January 5: Going home

Minnesota will introduce one of their biggest signings so far today, bringing MIguel Ibarra back from Club León in Mexico. He played with the Loons for three and a half years before joining León in June 2015. His time in Mexico has been disappointing, only playing in 19 games. The 26-year-old will be looking to revive his career in Minnesota, this time in Major League Soccer.

Along with likely signing Christian Ramirez, Minnesota is betting heavily on two of their long-time NASL stars in their jump to MLS. Ibarra saw time with the U.S. national team under Jurgen Klinsmann and Ramirez has been touted by many as a star forward in the making, but they both lack much top-flight experience. It remains to be seen how effective they can be in their first season in the league.

While Atlanta has been fascinating story for many around the country because of how they have went about filling their roster, Minnesota is an interesting case as well. Even when other lower division clubs made the leap to MLS, they did not place as much of an emphasis on their stars from the lower division. Ibarra and Ramirez are not your typical NASL/USL talents, but they will have much expected of them with the Loons.

Domestic

How will the LA Galaxy respond to a tumultuous offseason? (LA Times)

RSL’s new signing arrives today (RSL Soapbox)

Montreal turning the page on the Didier Drogba era (Montreal Gazette)

Two Canadians players sign Generation adidas contracts with MLS (Globe and Mail)

Graham Zusi could be an option at right back for the USMNT (Stars and Stripes FC)

Potential buyer for the New York Cosmos identified (Empire of Soccer)

29 players called into first USWNT camp of 2017 (Stars and Stripes FC)

International

Former Atlanta United target Oscar Romero to spend a year on loan with Alaves in Spain:

Local

Atlanta Silverbacks co-hosting pro combine with the Tulsa Roughnecks on January 26-27 at Silverbacks Park (Goal Nation)