Minnesota United Nears Deal for Striker Maurice Malone
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The Loons are on the verge of bolstering their attacking line. Minnesota United is finalizing a deal to sign Maurice Malone, a 26-year-old striker currently playing for Austrian club Sturm Graz, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations who spoke to the Pioneer Press on Wednesday. The club has been tracking Malone for weeks as part of its summer transfer window strategy, and talks over a transfer fee have progressed to an advanced stage. The news was first broken by Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg.
Malone, a left-footed forward born in Augsburg, Germany, began his career at his hometown club, FC Augsburg, before moving through the German football system. He also spent time with Basel in Switzerland and Austria Wien in Austria, gaining experience across multiple leagues. In the 2025-26 season, Malone logged 1,567 minutes for Sturm Graz, scoring three goals and adding one assist. While his numbers may not jump off the page, his physical presence and ability to hold up play have drawn interest from MLS scouts.
The need for a striker is clear in Minnesota. The Loons' top forwards—Kelvin Yeboah and Momo Dieng—have been unable to find consistent scoring form this season, leaving the team searching for a reliable option up front. In contrast, first-year forward Marcus Caldeira has shown promise, collecting three assists in his last two matches, and is expected to take on a larger role as the season progresses. Malone's arrival could provide a spark, offering a different stylistic option to complement Caldeira's creativity.
This signing would mark the second addition for MNUFC during the summer window. Last week, midfielder Aziel Jackson joined the club on loan from Jagiellonia Bialystok of the Polish Ekstraklasa. The Loons have been active in the market, aiming to address a disappointing run that has seen them go winless in nine consecutive matches across all competitions. The team's struggles have been compounded by a lack of goals, with set-piece opportunities and late-game heroics occasionally salvaging points but not enough to turn the tide.
Malone, if the deal is completed, will join a squad that is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Major League Soccer this week. The Loons are set to host Atlanta United at Allianz Field on Wednesday, a rematch of their first-ever home match at TCF Bank Stadium in 2017. The club has organized a series of events to mark the milestone, including appearances by former players and coaches. However, the on-field product has been less celebratory, with the team mired in a prolonged slump that has seen interim coach Cameron Knowles under pressure despite being assured his job is safe.
Malone's potential addition is part of a broader effort to inject life into a roster that has struggled to create chances. The Loons have been linked to multiple attacking targets during the window, and the pursuit of Malone suggests a clear prioritization of a forward who can both score and link play. As the summer transfer deadline approaches, Minnesota United hopes to finalize the deal quickly and integrate Malone into the lineup for the crucial stretch of the season.
Article commentary
The impending signing of Maurice Malone by Minnesota United represents a calculated but necessary gamble for a team desperate for attacking solutions. At 26, Malone is entering his prime years, yet his career has been defined by inconsistency rather than explosive output. With only three goals and one assist in 1,567 minutes last season for Sturm Graz, his numbers do not scream 'savior.' However, the context of his playing time—often as a substitute or in a rotational role—suggests he may have untapped potential that a consistent starting role in MLS could unlock. From a tactical standpoint, Malone's left-footedness and ability to hold up the ball offer a different dimension compared to the pace-driven styles of Kelvin Yeboah and Momo Dieng. The Loons have struggled to maintain possession in the final third, and Malone's strength in shielding the ball could allow teammates like Marcus Caldeira to make runs off him. This could be particularly effective in the latter stages of matches when Minnesota has often been outplayed. But the signing also raises questions about the club's long-term recruitment strategy. The summer window has seen the Loons add a midfielder on loan and now a striker on a permanent transfer, yet the team's defensive issues—particularly in transition—remain unaddressed. The 10-year anniversary match against Atlanta United is a fitting backdrop for a club that has often ridden emotional highs but struggled to build sustained success. Malone's arrival may energize the fanbase, but whether he can be the catalyst for a turnaround is uncertain. Moreover, the financial commitment involved in a transfer from a European club like Sturm Graz should not be underestimated. MLS teams often pay a premium for established European talent, and Malone's track record does not guarantee a return on investment. The Loons are betting on his physical attributes and the belief that a change of scenery can reignite his career. It is a risk that could pay off handsomely if he finds his form, but it also carries the potential for disappointment if he cannot adapt to the physicality and travel demands of MLS. Ultimately, this move is a reflection of Minnesota United's current predicament: a team in need of a spark, willing to take a chance on a player whose best days may still be ahead. The next few weeks will reveal whether Malone is the answer or just another piece in a puzzle that remains incomplete.