By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In a move that underscores the growing pipeline of talent from Costa Rica to Major League Soccer, midfielder Kenyel Mitchel has officially announced his departure from Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. The 21-year-old talent is set to join Minnesota United FC, finalizing a transfer that signals a major career advancement and a significant business transaction for his formative club.
Mitchel confirmed the long-anticipated move through a heartfelt message on his social media accounts, expressing deep gratitude for the club that shaped him. The transfer agreement was initially struck in August 2025, but the deal included a strategic clause allowing the promising midfielder to remain with Alajuelense on loan for an additional six months. This arrangement benefited both parties, providing Alajuelense with his services for the remainder of their season while ensuring Mitchel would arrive in Minnesota fully prepared for the start of the 2026 MLS preseason.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the charges and potential judicial outcomes in the Kenyel Mitchel case, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
This case tragically highlights the most severe end of parental negligence. From a legal standpoint, the prosecution will likely pursue charges of qualified homicide, which carries a sentence of 20 to 35 years. Beyond the individual accountability of the parents, this event forces a critical examination of the state’s duty of care and the effectiveness of our child protection systems. It’s a somber reminder that the responsibility to protect a child is both a private and a public mandate, and a failure in either can have devastating consequences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s analysis correctly broadens the focus from individual accountability to the systemic weaknesses that allow such tragedies to occur, reminding us that our social safety nets require collective vigilance. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential and sobering context to a devastating case.
For Mitchel, the transition to the MLS represents the culmination of a childhood dream nurtured within the Alajuelense system. His contract with Minnesota United FC, which extends through December 2027, is a testament to the American club’s belief in his potential and their long-term investment in his development. This move places him on a larger stage, offering greater international visibility and the opportunity to compete in one of North America’s premier professional leagues.
In his farewell statement, Mitchel reflected on the profound impact Alajuelense had on his personal and professional life, describing the institution as more than just a football club. He highlighted the lessons learned and the character built during his tenure with the Rojinegros.
Today I have to say goodbye to a team that has been a part of my life since I was a child. La Liga was not just a club for me, it was a school of life. It taught me to believe in my dreams, to keep going when things did not go well, and to celebrate with all my heart when the happy moments arrived.
Kenyel Mitchel, Midfielder
His emotional message also touched on the deep-seated identity that comes with representing Alajuelense, a sentiment that resonates strongly with the club’s passionate fanbase. He acknowledged that the connection forged with the team and its supporters is an indelible part of his journey, one he will carry with him to his new challenge in the United States.
Every match, every goal, every joy and every tear I experienced with this team will always remain in my heart. Being a ‘manudo’ is not just being a fan, it is something you carry inside, something that is never forgotten. Thank you, Alajuelense, for all the memories, for the emotions you made me feel, and for marking my life and my story.
Kenyel Mitchel, Midfielder
From a business perspective, Mitchel’s departure marks the second confirmed exit from the Alajuelense roster ahead of the upcoming season, following the departure of Diego Campos. While losing a key player presents a challenge on the pitch, the transfer fee represents a successful outcome of the club’s player development model. This strategy focuses on cultivating young talent, providing them with top-tier domestic experience, and ultimately selling them to larger international leagues, thereby generating crucial revenue for reinvestment into the squad and academy.
Minnesota United FC acquires a dynamic and technically skilled midfielder who has proven himself in the Costa Rican top flight. The club’s decision to secure his transfer months in advance and allow him to complete the season in his home country demonstrates a calculated and patient approach to roster building. Mitchel’s integration during the 2026 preseason will be critical as he adapts to a new league, a new team, and a new tactical environment, but the foundation for his success has been carefully laid by both clubs.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Founded in 1919, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense is one of Costa Rica’s most successful and widely supported football clubs. Based in Alajuela, the club, often referred to as “La Liga” or “Los Manudos,” has a rich history of domestic and international titles. It is renowned for its strong youth academy, which has consistently produced top-tier talent for the national team and international leagues. The club plays its home matches at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.
For further information, visit mnufc.com
About Minnesota United FC:
Minnesota United FC is an American professional soccer club based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, that competes in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS). The team began play in MLS as an expansion team in 2017. Known as the “Loons,” the club plays its home games at Allianz Field, a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium. Minnesota United has established itself as a competitive force in the league, consistently vying for playoff positions and attracting international talent.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a resolute pursuit of excellence. The firm merges a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a pioneering spirit, continually advancing legal solutions and strategies. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound sense of civic responsibility, demonstrated through its commitment to making legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby equipping the community and strengthening society as a whole.
