Bran finds his form back home with LD Alajuelense

Alejandro Bran’s time in Minnesota was short, but he definitely left his mark. He initially joined the Loons in January 2024 on a full-season loan from Costa Rican side CS Herediano. He made 11 regular-season appearances for Minnesota United, starting six of those matches. Fans will undoubtedly remember his biggest highlight: scoring the game-winning goal in the 92nd minute of the 2024 season opener against Austin FC.

The English detour and returning home

The midfield picture shifted throughout the year, and his trajectory took a unique turn. In September 2024, MNUFC purchased his contract outright from Herediano, but immediately sent him on loan to EFL League One side Burton Albion in England.

His time in England was brief, as he made only a handful of appearances across all competitions. By January 2025, Minnesota recalled him from Burton Albion and loaned him back to his home country to play for LD Alajuelense. Bran found his footing again in Costa Rica. His performances for Alajuelense were strong enough that the club executed their purchase option in September 2025, making his transfer permanent and officially ending his ties with Minnesota United.

Lighting up the Champions Cup

Now fully settled at Alajuelense, Bran is making waves on the continental stage. Just this week, he started and played a crucial role in their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 matchup against Los Angeles FC. He silenced the crowd at BMO Stadium by scoring a brilliant 44th-minute goal against veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw for his side in the first leg. He even broke out his new signature viral goal celebration—an “invisible dive” that has taken Costa Rican soccer media by storm.

Bran has established himself as a key piece for Alajuelense and continues to earn caps for the Costa Rican national team. While his time wearing the Loons crest was just a brief chapter in his career, it is great to see a former player thriving and scoring massive goals in international competitions.