The long-time European star striker Christian Benteke has turned into a reliable goal scorer in MLS for D.C. United.
Now, though, his contract is up, and he has hit free agency.
That sets Benteke up to move elsewhere in MLS if he wants.
The Athletic's Tom Bogert named Benteke one of the 10-best free agents available in MLS this offseason, with free agency opening on Wednesday.
Bogert sees a very possible connection for Benteke with Minnesota United.
"Could you imagine Benteke — statistically the most aerially dominant player in MLS history — joining Minnesota United, a team that puts more emphasis on long balls and set pieces than anyone in the league?" Bogert speculates. "Benteke, who just turned 35, scored 49 goals for D.C. After arriving in 2022. The striker has led MLS in aerial duels won since his first full season in 2023, and he is responsible for the two most aerially dominant seasons since MLS started tracking this stat (2018). To further illustrate the point, in 2024, he won 309 aerials. The pre-Benteke record was 174."
Even with Benteke, D.C. United finish bottom of the Eastern Conference in 2025 with just 26 points in 34 matches.
Minnesota was a playoff side in the Western Conference. They had 58 points in 34 games to rank fourth in their conference.
Benteke would only add another threat to a solid Minnesota United side.
It wouldn't make sense for him to stick around with D.C. United, but it'll be a big blow to their future chances if he leaves, anyway. They've got a lot of work to do.
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