The reigning Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is not currently in the league, but his team this year says the choice to return is entirely in his hands.
The Athletic's Jeff Rueter reported on Wednesday in an interview with Minnesota United FC technical director Mark Watson that Vito Mannone has the power to decide if he wants to return in 2020: "At this point, itās down to Vito to say yes or no."
Mannone, 31, spent the 2019 season on loan in Minnesota from English side Reading. Playing all 34 regular-season games for the Loons, the Italian posted 11 shutouts, helped Minnesota reach the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in club history and was voted MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
The interview follows a report earlier this week that Minnesota have offered Mannone a deal that would make him the highest-paid goalkeeper in MLS. For his part, Mannone previously reportedly said when his contract with Reading expires this season he could look to go home and join a Serie A club.
At this point in the offseason, Minnesota only have one goalkeeper under contract, 2019 MLS SuperDraft selection Dayne St. Clair.
