J. Gressel’s $3 Million Nutmeg: How Minnesota United’s Midfield Maestro (#24) is Dribbling Up His Net Worth and MLS Stats!

Alright folks, if you’ve been tuning into Minnesota United FC, you can’t miss how big of a role J. Gressel has carved out for himself. He’s number 24 out there, and honestly, he’s brought a real veteran presence to the midfield. He mixes years of MLS know-how with a sharp, almost instinctive sense of the game.

Even if you’re just starting to watch the Loons, you’ll start to pick up on how much he matters every time he steps on the pitch.

Gressel took a winding road to Minnesota, playing for several MLS teams along the way. He grew up in Germany, but these days, he reps the United States. That international experience? It shows. He takes charge in the middle and helps his teammates find space. If you want more on his background, his player profile is worth a look.

Game in, game out, you’ll spot Gressel making the little plays—key passes, timely tackles, and calling out directions to keep everyone organized. If you’re following the Loons this season, keep an eye on #24. He’s right in the thick of it, and you can see his fingerprints on the midfield.

Player Overview: J. Gressel at Minnesota United FC

If you’re a Minnesota United fan, you’ve probably already seen Julian Gressel’s impact on the pitch. The guy’s got experience, skill, and a bit of that leadership edge every team needs.

He joined the Loons after proving himself all over Major League Soccer. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done.

Profile and Background

Julian Gressel was born in Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany, back in 1993. Thanks to dual citizenship, he’s eligible for both Germany and the U.S., but he’s chosen to suit up for the U.S. national team.

Now at 31, Gressel’s played for a handful of MLS clubs, like Atlanta United and Inter Miami. He’s one of those players who can line up as a right midfielder or even a full-back, which gives coaches more options.

With Minnesota, he’s been a real Swiss Army knife.

People respect Gressel for his crisp passing and his cool head when things get tight in the middle. He hit the 50-assist mark by 2021 with D.C. United. If you’re a stats person, check out his ESPN profile for the full breakdown.

Minnesota United FC Contract and Squad Role

Gressel came to Minnesota United ahead of the 2025 season, fresh off a stint with Inter Miami CF where he tallied nine assists in 32 appearances. He’s signed through 2026, with the club holding an option for 2027.

That’s stability right there. It also gives the Loons a shot of veteran depth in the midfield. If you want the official word, here’s MNUFC’s announcement.

You’ll see Gressel either starting or coming off the bench as a key piece, usually out on the right. He can slide back to full-back or push up in midfield, depending on what the coach needs. That’s the kind of flexibility teams crave.

He’s the kind of guy you want out there when the stakes get high.

Here’s a quick look at his recent stats:

Season	Club	MLS Apps	Goals	Assists
2024	Inter Miami CF	32	0	9
2025	Minnesota United FC*	TBD	TBD	TBD

*Joined Minnesota United FC in 2025, so those numbers will fill in as the season rolls along.

Squad Number 24 Significance

With Minnesota, Gressel’s rocking the number 24 shirt. It’s not a number loaded with club history, so for him, it’s probably just a fresh start.

Maybe #24 marks his new chapter with the Loons. You’ll be seeing that number a lot this season—he’s not on the bench much.

As one of the more seasoned players on the roster, Gressel’s #24 could come to stand for reliability. He’s easy to spot for fans, whether you’re in the stands or catching the game on TV.

If you want a deep dive on his background and shirt number, check out Transfermarkt’s profile.

J. Gressel’s Playing Position and Style

You watch Gressel on the right side and it’s clear—he’s got a smart, steady approach. He combines good passing with sharp tactical awareness.

He’s always ready to fill in wherever the team needs him.

Right Midfielder Attributes

As a right midfielder, Gressel keeps things moving up and down the sideline. He times his runs well, finds open space, and whips in crosses that give strikers a real chance.

You’ll see him stretch the field, hugging the touchline to pull defenders out of position.

Fitness? He’s got it. Gressel covers a ton of ground, linking up defense and attack. In tight spots, he’ll play safe, low-risk passes to keep possession.

His early crosses into the box are a headache for defenders. That wide play? Minnesota United fans should appreciate it.

Versatility Across Positions

If you’ve followed his career, you know Gressel isn’t just a one-position guy. Sometimes he slides back to right back, or even moves into central midfield.

Coaches trust him to handle whatever’s thrown at him. That’s huge when injuries pile up or tactics shift mid-game.

His experience shows—he reads the play, knows when to defend, and when to join the attack. If he drops deeper, he stays disciplined. If the team needs a spark, he pushes up.

Not many players can switch roles as smoothly as he does.

Strengths and Key Skills

Gressel’s passing stands out, and he seems to spot runs before they even happen. His vision helps him pick out teammates in space.

He’s also a real threat on set pieces and dead balls—corners, free kicks, you name it.

Here’s a snapshot of his recent numbers with Minnesota United:

Season	Matches Played	Assists	Key Passes per Game	Crosses per Game
2024	28	7	2.3	5.1

He keeps the ball moving, and his right foot delivers some wicked crosses. Coaches know they can count on him, whether it’s building an attack or tracking back.

For Minnesota United, that kind of consistency can really matter in close games.

Want more details? Check the Minnesota United FC midfielder profile and this J. Gressel scout report.

Career Journey Across Major League Soccer

Julian Gressel’s MLS journey? It’s been quite a ride. He’s been consistent, adaptable, and always seems to pop up with a timely assist.

He’s made a difference everywhere he’s played.

Atlanta United FC Impact

Back at Atlanta United FC, Gressel made a splash right away. The team drafted him in 2017, and he didn’t waste time—he snagged Rookie of the Year honors.

His playmaking from the right was a big part of Atlanta’s attack, feeding star forwards with pinpoint crosses.

You might remember his role in Atlanta’s 2018 MLS Cup win. He chipped in with a bunch of assists in the playoffs, finishing the season with 14 regular-season assists.

His work rate and passing forced defenders to adjust. Over three seasons with Atlanta, he put up 15 goals and 35 assists in all competitions.

Key Atlanta Stats

Season	Games	Goals	Assists
2017-2019	98	15	35

D.C. United Success

Gressel moved to D.C. United for the 2020 season. There, he took on more of a leadership role, bouncing between midfield and right wing.

His versatility let D.C. mix up their formations and tactics.

In 2021, Gressel played every single match for D.C. United. He handed out nine assists and was the go-to creator, even during rough patches.

He hit 50 career MLS assists by the end of his D.C. stint, which says a lot about his impact. He set up goals from both set pieces and open play, keeping the attack lively.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Experience

The Whitecaps picked up Gressel in 2022, looking for a spark out wide. He brought experience and crossing ability right away.

He connected well with the younger guys, threading passes into dangerous spots.

Gressel chipped in with assists and some much-needed leadership. His play on the right kept the attack unpredictable.

Coaches leaned on his set-piece skills, which led to chances in a tough Western Conference. He filled in wherever the team needed, especially when the schedule got packed.

Columbus Crew Achievements

Columbus Crew brought Gressel in to boost creativity and midfield depth. He fit into their fast, possession-heavy style, acting as a bridge between attack and defense.

They leaned on his experience, especially when games got tight late.

With the Crew, Gressel moved between central and wide roles, balancing out a tactically flexible squad. His crosses led to late goals, and he always seemed to pop up with a key play.

Fans appreciated his professionalism and knack for showing up in big moments.

Transition to Minnesota United FC

Julian Gressel’s arrival in Minnesota signaled a new chapter for both him and the club. His versatility and MLS track record injected some fresh energy into the Loons’ midfield.

Minnesota United Acquires Julian Gressel

You saw Minnesota United scoop up Gressel after Inter Miami CF waived him at the end of the 2025 campaign. Minnesota didn’t waste time—they picked him up off waivers and signed him through 2026, with an option for 2027.

At 31, Gressel brought a mix of veteran savvy and creative spark.

He’d just wrapped up a solid run with Inter Miami, where he notched nine assists in 32 games and helped them snag the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

Minnesota made a smart move, adding depth and leadership for a playoff push. The fit made sense for both sides—Gressel gets a fresh start, and the Loons get a proven MLS performer.

If you want the official details, check out Minnesota United sign Julian Gressel.

Integration Into the Loons Squad

Gressel jumped right into life at Minnesota United. From the first day, you could tell he brought a pro’s mindset, stepping into a hybrid midfield role—sometimes dropping deep, sometimes pushing forward. Adrian Heath didn’t hesitate to make him a regular starter.

Training reports kept mentioning Gressel’s vocal leadership, sharp tactical sense, and that pinpoint set-piece delivery. He took time to mentor the younger guys, passing along what he’d learned in Atlanta, Columbus, and Miami.

Fans and staff noticed right away—he brought a sense of order and calm, especially when the going got tough.

By midseason, Gressel was out there for over 70 minutes most games. His quick chemistry with captain Wil Trapp and his smooth fit into the Loons’ pressing game really helped steady the team’s form.

Key Match and Performance Highlights

Gressel wasted no time making an impression for Minnesota United. In his first ten outings, he knocked in three goals—always seeming to pop up in the right spot at the right time.

He chipped in four assists, too, sparking some big wins against Western Conference foes.

Julian Gressel: Key 2025 Season Stats (First 10 Matches)

Matches	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played	Pass Accuracy (%)
10	3	4	890	85

His standout night? A gritty 2-1 win over a top contender, where he grabbed a goal and an assist and took home Man of the Match. Gressel’s set pieces kept defenders guessing, and his quick link-up play gave Minnesota’s attack something extra.

Key Achievements and Honors

Julian Gressel’s built a reputation as one of the league’s top midfielders, leaving his mark at several clubs and even on the international stage. He’s got the hardware to back it up—league awards, national titles, and USMNT appearances.

MLS Rookie of the Year

You want proof of Gressel’s quality? Just look at his debut MLS season. In 2017, he took home MLS Rookie of the Year after a stellar run with Atlanta United.

That year, Gressel tallied five goals and nine assists. He showed poise and creativity, earning respect from teammates and rivals alike.

Young players usually need time to adjust to MLS, but Gressel handled it from the jump.

Here’s a look at his 2017 numbers:

Season	Club	Goals	Assists
2017	Atlanta United	5	9

He’s still one of the most versatile and productive rookies in league history—a tough act for future newcomers to follow.

MLS Cup Titles

You probably remember Gressel’s role in those Atlanta United playoff runs. He played a huge part in their 2018 MLS Cup title, driving the attack with his work rate and creative passing.

In the postseason, Gressel created chances from midfield and the right wing, serving up crosses and tracking back on defense. Atlanta’s march to the trophy really leaned on his consistency.

He also helped Atlanta reach the Eastern Conference Finals and made the playoffs several times. In knockout games, he always seemed to raise his level.

U.S. Open Cup Success

Gressel added the U.S. Open Cup to his trophy case in 2019 with Atlanta United. He played a key role, mixing smart passing with solid defensive work.

His assists and game management stood out in big cup matches. Atlanta’s Open Cup win gave the club another trophy, and Gressel’s adaptability really paid off in those tight, tactical games.

He’s proven he can shine when the stakes are high.

International Representation

After gaining U.S. citizenship, Gressel chose to suit up for the United States, giving his career a fresh twist. He’s earned call-ups to the USMNT and played in friendlies and tournaments like the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Coaches have used him all over—midfield, right wing, even full-back. His international minutes show off his technical skill, tireless work, and steady presence on both sides of the ball.

Gressel’s dual-national path gives him a unique place in both American and German soccer circles. For more, check out Julian Gressel’s Minnesota United profile.

Additional Professional Insights

J. Gressel’s career tells a story of bouncing between top MLS clubs, adapting tactically, and being right in the mix for major trades. His journey says a lot about roster moves, trade value, and the doors that open for skilled players in Major League Soccer.

Transfer and Trade Movements

You can follow Gressel’s path through the league—Atlanta United, D.C. United, Vancouver Whitecaps, Inter Miami, and now Minnesota United. He’s been a hot commodity, thanks to his crossing and soccer IQ.

Vancouver picked him up from D.C. United for as much as $900,000 in General Allocation Money. That’s a big number, but it shows how much teams value his wide play and defensive flexibility.

When Inter Miami let him go, Minnesota United wasted no time signing him through 2026, with an option for 2027. You can read the latest at Minnesota United’s official announcement.

General Allocation Money in MLS

If you’re curious about those trades, you need to know about General Allocation Money (GAM). Teams use it to lower player salaries for cap purposes and to get creative with signings.

Gressel’s trades have always involved hefty GAM amounts—like that $900,000 deal to Vancouver. It’s a way teams fit proven players under the salary cap while still filling tactical needs.

His steady play and influence on matches make him a go-to target in these deals. If you’re tracking how allocation money shapes rosters, Gressel’s career is a great case study.

MLS SuperDraft History

Atlanta United picked Gressel eighth overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. The SuperDraft gives teams a shot at top college talent, hoping to find the next big thing. Gressel wasted no time making an impact.

His rookie stats in Atlanta jumped off the page:

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2017	Atlanta United	32	5	9

He won MLS Rookie of the Year that season. It’s not every day a SuperDraft pick turns into a starter and a prime trade asset. Scouting and draft picks still matter in MLS roster building.

Early Life and Path to Professional Soccer

Julian Gressel’s road to Minnesota United FC took grit, flexibility, and a willingness to chase new challenges. He grew up in Germany, learning the game at respected youth clubs before making the bold move to Providence College in the U.S.

Youth Clubs in Germany

Gressel’s story starts in Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany. As a kid, he lived and breathed soccer, joining local clubs and quickly making a name for himself.

He developed with SpVgg Greuther Fürth’s youth teams, where the focus was always on discipline and technique.

At these clubs, you could see that classic German approach—tough training, tactical drills, and nonstop competition. Gressel put in the hours as a midfielder, honing his touch and awareness.

His time in Germany built his teamwork and work ethic. By his late teens, he was ready for bigger challenges, but breaking through in Germany isn’t easy.

Looking for something different, he packed his bags and headed to the U.S. to keep chasing his soccer dream.

Key Stats: Youth Years (Germany)

Club	Years	Role
SpVgg Greuther Fürth (Youth)	Early teens	Midfielder
Other regional clubs	Childhood	Midfielder

Collegiate Career at Providence College

Gressel joined Providence College in Rhode Island back in 2013. You really have to admire how fast he found his feet in the American college game—on the field and off it.

He spent four seasons with the Friars. Gressel always had a knack for picking out a pass, and he didn’t mind firing in a goal or two from midfield either.

The Providence Friars saw him earn All-Big East honors twice. By the time he wrapped up his college run, he’d racked up 30 goals and 26 assists in 83 games.

His growth? It was steady—never flashy, but always moving forward. When senior year rolled around, he led the team straight into the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight and pulled off a wild upset over Maryland.

Providence College Stats

Season	Games Played	Goals	Assists
2013-2016	83	30	26

Scouts took notice of his performances. That set him up for his big break in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

Gressel didn’t just come over from Germany and blend in at Providence—he changed the whole trajectory of his career right there on campus.