ANDRE HORTA ARRIVES FROM BENFICA
In the week when LA Galaxy are celebrating the arrival of #zLAtan, Los Angeles FC have reminded everybody why one of the world superstars was required at their cross-city rivals as they have landed their third Designated Player, following Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi.
ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle reports that LAFC will bring Andre Horta in during the secondary transfer window (which opens on July 10th) as he is currently on loan from Benfica at SC Braga.
Metro’s Kristian Dyer first reported over the weekend that Benfica had reached a deal with MLS for the midfielder. The 21-year-old Horta would command a transfer fee of around $7 million, according to ESPN.
ALEX IN FOR A SONG
Unattached midfielder Alex Song is currently training with the New York Red Bulls to build his fitness for a future move.
Still only 30-years-old, Song is not on trial and is just attending training. The Cameroon international lists big clubs amongst his former employers including Arsenal and Barcelona.
JARED GIVES HOUSTON WATTS
Houston Dynamo has brought in defender Jared Watts from Colorado Rapids in exchange for $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.
“Jared is a steady and reliable player who is entering the prime of his career at 26 years old. He provides flexibility to our roster with his ability to play as both a center back and holding midfielder,” said Dynamo vice president and general manager Matt Jordan. “He brings an outstanding mentality both on the field and in the locker room every day, which is important for our club, and we are looking forward to integrating him into our group.”
26-year-old Watts was selected by the Rapids as the 33rd overall pick of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. He has made 71 appearances, scoring one goal and providing three assists for Colorado.
“We want to thank Jared for his contributions to our club over the past four seasons,” Colorado Rapids executive vice president and general manager Padraig Smith said in a club statement. “He is a genuine, committed professional, and we wish him the best of luck as he begins the next chapter of his career.”
It should also be noted that general manager Matt Jordan and head coach Wilmer Cabrera have signed contract extensions with Houston, keeping them in Dynamo colours until the end of 2020.
MAXI URRUTI PENS NEW CONTRACT
Forward Maxi Urruti has agreed a new three-year contract with FC Dallas. The 27-year-old, with Dallas since the start of the 2016 season, has scored 22 goals in MLS regular season play for the club, along with one MLS Cup Playoffs goal, assisting in winning the 2016 Supporters’ Shield and US Open Cup.
“Maxi has played a big part in our success at FC Dallas the last few seasons,” said FC Dallas technical director Fernando Clavijo in a club statement. “We’re glad he’ll be a part of the FC Dallas family for the next few years.”
The Argentinian joined MLS from Newell’s Old Boys in 2013. After debuting with Toronto FC, he moved to Portland Timbers, helping them win the 2015 MLS Cup in his two and a half seasons there.
“I am very excited that Maxi is committed to FC Dallas for the next three years,” said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt. “I am appreciative of his patience through our contract negotiations. I look forward to seeing more goals and arrows shot into the stands during his goal celebrations.”
ZLATAN STILL MAKING HEADLINES
Rundown has a small note here, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be available for selection this coming weekend as LA Galaxy host Los Angeles FC. It’s a huge game, on FOX, LA rivalry, signed specifically to counteract the expansion threat… in other news, water is wet.
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