ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Wednesday the club had signed forward Abu Danladi ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Danladi was the No. 1 selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Minnesota United FC, and went on to record 16 goals and seven assists in 111 regular season appearances for the Loons and Nashville SC over six seasons. He broke out in his first campaign with eight goals and three assists in 27 appearances and finished second in voting for the MLS Rookie of the Year award.

“Abu has top-level experience and skill, and has the potential to make a massive impact on our club and league,” said United Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome someone of his talent level to New Mexico United, and can’t wait to see what he can do in the Black & Yellow.”

A native of Takoradi, Ghana, Danladi joined Minnesota after a standout college career at UCLA, where he recorded 18 goals and 18 assists in 42 appearances. More recently, he spent the 2023 season with FK Bylis in Albania.

Analysis

Abu Danladi arrives in New Mexico hoping to recapture the form that made him one of the top prospects in Major League Soccer after his rookie season. His speed and qualities as a creator dropped dramatically after being a finalist for Rookie of the Year, where he was unable to record more than two goals or two assists in any other campaign for either Minnesota United or Nashville SC.

The 5-foot-10 forward could still have something to offer United with his ability to play out on the left flank and both create and finish. The road back to success could be a long one for the 28-year-old to now navigate, however.