Latest Rumors & News: Velasco Extended, Pedrinho Signed, Arriola on the Move
Free agency is open, and we can expect more news and rumors to fly. Alan Velasco signs an extension. Is Arriola on the move?
As of 1 PM EST, free agency is open, so it’s officially silly season for FC Dallas and North Texas fans.
Let’s start with the big news of the day.
Alan Velasco Signs an Extension
While Velasco has been rumored as a potential departure recently with interest from Argentina, the uncertainty has been put to bed. Fans may have hoped for a bidding war on his services but re-signing him signals to supporters that the healthy attacker is here to stay and is enjoying life in Frisco. And it signals that Eric Quill sees Velasco as an integral part of the first team setup going into 2025.
A lot of questions were answered with this move.
Does it mean Velasco is here for years and years to come? No. He’s still young, and it’s likely his value only increases his minutes after a long year out with injury.
However, Dallas doesn’t have to feel pressured to move him along. He’s still a core part of a roster that aims to return to the playoffs in 2025.
Paul Arriola May Move With Jesus Ferreira to Seattle
While we were all stunned a bit about the news that Jesus, Dallas’ homegrown Designated Player, may head to the Pacific Northwest, Tom Bogert reports that Paul Arriola is also in talks as part of a trade package to head to the Emerald City. The deal also hinges on Paul signing an extension that lowers his overall hit on Seattle’s budget. The trade sounds like a strong possibility, maybe even stronger than working one out with Jesus.
For both Jesus and Paul to be available, FC Dallas front office appear to be open to a fire sale to jettison productive members of the squad who are due for a change of venue or don’t fit with a future tactical scheme. It’s a shock, especially since Jesus is kind of a club legend for being the first homegrown Designated Player in league history. But if it is time to move on and it’s a win/win, why not explore all options?
Moving Arriola will open up a big chunk of the cap, even though Dallas will have to keep some of his salary on the books to make the deal work with Seattle.
This is one to watch.
By the way, Chula Vista, Paul’s hometown, is opening up a mini-pitch in his honor and with his financial support on Monday. Is San Diego still in play?
Pedrinho Steps Up to the Senior Team
Pedrinho was a huge part of the attacking onslaught that North Texas Soccer Club deployed against their opponents in 2024, leading to their first ever MLS Next Pro championship. His game winner in the final in stoppage time was a beauty. While he has room to grow, the former Flamengo attacker appears to have signed a contract to step up to the senior team in 2025. Could he earn more minutes with North Texas and be a bench option for FC Dallas in the coming year?
I love this move. I love seeing talent bridge the gap between North Texas and the senior team. What if Dallas have found someone special once again via this route?
One More: Colorado Defender Targeted by FC Dallas?
Tom Bogert dropped a small hint that Lalas Abubakar may be a target by FC Dallas for a veteran defender to bolster the backline. Could he push Ibeagha and/or Tafari for a starting spot? Could he be affordable depth? We’ll have to wait and see if there is anything other than smoke on this one.
As a friend in the FCD chat mentioned, Quill would know Abubakar from the time the two spent together in Columbus.