Alexis Fariña reportedly set to end loan with Minnesota United, returning to Paraguay

The short-lived Minnesota United career of Alexis Fariña appears to be coming to a close before his first full season in MLS even kicks off. Reports out of Paraguay indicate that the 21-year-old attacking midfielder’s loan is being terminated, paving the way for a move to Club Sportivo 2 de Mayo.

According to the president of 2 de Mayo, Hugo Romero, a verbal agreement is already in place to bring the youngster back to his home country, with the club simply waiting on the final signatures to make it official.

A brief stint in the North

Fariña initially joined the Loons last August on a one-year loan from Paraguayan powerhouse Cerro Porteño. At the time, the club touted his ability to connect passes and create chances in tight spaces, inserting an option to buy into his contract.

Despite the high hopes, Fariña struggled to break into the first team during his time in Minnesota. He was largely limited to appearances with MNUFC2, where he logged a goal in three matches down the stretch of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.

What it means for the MNUFC roster

While it is always disappointing to see a young prospect move on so quickly, terminating the loan makes a lot of practical sense for Minnesota right now.

The first team currently faces a serious logjam of talent in the attacking midfield positions, meaning Fariña would have likely found himself buried deep on the depth chart this season. More importantly, this move clears a highly coveted international roster spot. With the club needing to achieve roster compliance by the start of the season, moving Fariña helps balance the books and gives the front office more flexibility going forward.

New Loon-on-Loon rivalry in Paraguay

Fariña’s return to the Paraguayan Primera División also sets up an intriguing matchup against another familiar face. When 2 de Mayo takes the pitch against league powerhouse Cerro Porteño—the very club that originally loaned Fariña to Minnesota—he will cross paths with former Loons striker Luis Amarilla. Amarilla returned to his home country in the summer of 2025 to join Cerro Porteño, creating a fun subplot for any Minnesota United fans keeping an eye on the league down south.