Summer Reinforcements On the Way for FC Dallas

FC Dallas announced the free transfer of winger Eugene Ansah today, an attacking boost as the team looks a busy schedule ahead.

Enduring a dense schedule and a rash of injuries, one big question on the minds of FC Dallas fans has been what kind of reinforcements the team will look for to aid in their second-half push of the season.

One piece of that answer came in an announcement today of the signing of Ghanian winger Eugene Anseh.

Per FC Dallas’ press release, Anseh fits a profile that Dallas needs, a veteran who can help bolster an attack that has relied heavily on Jesus Ferreira as of late.

Ansah, 28, joins FC Dallas after spending five seasons in the Israeli Premier League, most recently playing for Hapoel Be’er Sheva. During his time with Be’er Sheva, Ansah registered 80 appearances and recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 4,726 minutes played. He also appeared in six group stage matches of the 2022-23 Europa Conference League for the Israeli side. 

With Jesus Ferreira expected to miss a significant time with the US National Team in the Gold Cup (starting this week), attacking options are really thin for Nico Estevez. Jesus Jimenez went down with an injury in Portland. The team’s next options include youngsters Bernard Kamungo and Jose Mulato, both who have a lot of upside but are still a bit raw and adjusting to Major League Soccer. It’s a tough spot to start those guys right away and expect them to deliver.

In addition, Jader Obrian has been featuring a lot with injuries to Paul Arriola. Another body on the wings provides some room for rotation to rest weary legs.

Ansah can play both the nine, spelling Jesus Ferreira, and the wing. At the least, it’s a fairly low risk signing on a short term contract (just one year and a half) that could help the team immediately.

When will Ansah join the team? Major League Soccer’s transfer window doesn’t open until July 5, so that is the earliest bet for the winger to see some game time.

Will there be more signings, like a homegrown or a trade within the league? With Messi’s arrival in Inter Miami, expect some teams to look to shuffle players on the cheap to make space for incoming talent. FC Dallas probably has some potential to make a play here or there, and of course, Justin Che and Dante Sealy (who is already back and practicing with the team) will be other names to watch for.

If fans are expecting a big signing, that does seem less likely with Ansah’s arrival. Is there room for a DP? Could Arriola be bought down? We’ll have to see.

Remember, Nico has been adamant that he likes the makeup of his squad and doesn’t necessarily see any big holes.

In any event, Ansah will bring speed and attacking ability to a team that needs more.

What do you think? Did FC Dallas get this signing right?