New Mexico United Signs Defender | Maliek Howell Transfer News

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Albuquerque, January 14, 2026 – new Mexico united has bolstered it’s defense with the signing of Jamaican international Maliek Howell, the club announced today, pending league and federation approval. The 25-year-old center-back brings a wealth of experience and a familiar face to the team, having previously played under current united coach Dennis.

A Familiar Face returns to New Mexico

The addition of Howell strengthens United’s backline ahead of the 2026 season.

• Howell has made three appearances for the Jamaican national team.
• The 6’2″ defender played collegiately at both the University of New Mexico and the University of Memphis.
• He accumulated 1,139 minutes across 17 games with Birmingham Legion FC and las Vegas Lights FC in 2025.
• Sports director Itamar Keinan highlighted howell’s enthusiasm for returning to the community.

“maliek is a player we have been following for a long time,” saeid Sports Director Itamar Keinan. “He has a previous relationship with Coach Dennis, and his enthusiasm for returning to the community after playing with the Wolves made him a natural choice for our club. He is an athletic centre-back, with an infectious personality, and we can’t wait for our fans to meet him in person. Welcome back to New Mexico, Maliek!”

Howell spent the 2025 season with Birmingham Legion FC and Las Vegas Lights FC, establishing himself as a dependable defensive presence. He logged 1,139 minutes across 17 appearances (12 starts), recording 13 interceptions, 12 blocked shots, 60 duels won, and 40 clearances.

Did you know? – Maliek Howell previously played college soccer at the university of New Mexico in 2018, giving him familiarity with the Albuquerque area and its fans. This local connection was a key factor in the club’s decision to sign him.

A Solid Defensive background

Originally hailing from Kingston,Jamaica,Howell offers a compelling blend of size,athleticism,and defensive stability to United’s backline. Standing at 6’2″,the central defender has consistently performed throughout his professional career,amassing 51 appearances and 3,167 minutes played.He’s tallied 45 interceptions, 30 blocked shots, and 151 duels won.

Before turning professional, Howell honed his skills at the University of new Mexico in 2018 before continuing his collegiate career at the University of Memphis from 2019-2022. This prior experience gives him a valuable familiarity with the New Mexico football landscape as he returns to Albuquerque.

Howell also brings international experience to the table, having earned three caps for the Jamaican national team, adding another layer of high-level competition to his resume.

Pro tip – Center-backs like Howell are crucial for organizing a defense. Their ability to win duels, make interceptions, and clear the ball directly impacts a team’s ability to prevent goals.

With the addition of Howell, New Mexico united aims to solidify its defensive capabilities as the club continues to build its roster for the upcoming 2026 season.

Why: New Mexico United signed Maliek howell to strengthen their defensive line for the 2026 season. Sports Director Itamar Keinan emphasized Howell’s prior relationship with coach Dennis and his enthusiasm for returning to the community. Who: Maliek Howell, a 25-year-old Jamaican international center-back, is the newest addition to New Mexico United. What: The club announced the signing of Howell, pending league and federation approval. How: Howell was recruited due to