PAPILLION, NE – USL League One side Union Omaha announced a transfer of standout defender Ryen Jiba to MLS side Minnesota United FC. The undisclosed transfer fee was called “record breaking” by the club and USL. Pioneer Press of Minneapolis reported the fee at $50,000, citing an unnamed source.
The 21 year old native of South Sudan was selected 19th overall in the MLS SuperDraft in December. His eligibility was based on his waiver of his final two years of NCAA eligibility to sign with Union Omaha. The club picked up his contract option on League One Day One, ensuring their claim to any transfer fees if Minnesota United wished to bring him over for 2023.
Jiba made 28 appearances for Union Omaha in 2022, logging the third highest minutes for the club. While his loss will leave a two-way hole in the midfield, the club has midfielders to spare, and has promised signing announcements starting later today.
This story was updated 1/13/23 to add the media report of the transfer fee.