Image: FC Dallas
02/01/2022
FC Dallas has officially announced the signing of the Argentine wonderkid: Independiente's Alan Velasco. He is under a four year contract and the club holds an option for 2026 as well. He will be a young Designated Player, adding him to the ranks of Jesus Ferreira who was recently made into a young DP as well. (https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-acquires-winger-alan-velasco-from-independiente)
The move comes after weeks of rumors. Several times the move was announced to be in the final stages or already done. Dallas remained silent on the matter throughout the process.
Velasco's transfer fee is the most Dallas has paid for a player. The record was previously $3.08 Million for former Designated Player Bryan Acosta. (https://www.transfermarkt.us/fc-dallas/transferrekorde/verein/8816)
Time with Independiente-
So far, Velasco has spent his entire career with Independiente of the Argentine Primera Division. He began in their academy in 2012 and signed with the first team in 2020 at the age of sixteen. In 71 appearances, he's scored 10 goals and is credited with 10 assists. (https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/player-analysis-alan-velasco/#:~:text=Velasco%20entered%20the%20academy%20of,current%20Marseille%20manager%20Jorge%20Sampaoli.)
(Velasco's stats are on FC Dallas' article which can be found at the beginning of this article)
Image: FC Dallas
It's a New Era?-
The signing of Velasco alone marks a new look for FC Dallas, coupled with the acquisition of veteran USMNT winger Paul Arriola and signing homegrown Jesus Ferreira to a DP contract, Dallas' new slogan "it's a new era" seems legit. Dallas are usually known for finding free or cheap, diamond-in-the-rough, unknown talent in South America. Players like Michael Barrios, Bressan, and Ronaldo Escobar are some who were brought over on a free transfer. Seeing money like this spent on acquiring players feels surreal for anyone that's spent time around the club.
Last season was full of low points. From poor performances to how the diehard supporters were treated, the franchise was in a state of disarray. Some took banners to the stadium demanding the Hunts to sell or invest. For a recap on the off-the-field issues, read this article: (https://www.mlsnowpodcast.com/post/as-fc-dallas-ends-2nd-worst-season-in-their-history-fans-demand-the-hunts-to-sell-or-invest)
The recent sale of homegrown Ricardo Pepi has given the Hunts plenty of money to play with for this upcoming season. The Hunts haven't made a public statement on the protest last year but given how aggressive they've been this transfer window, it makes one wonder if they were paying attention.
By Toros95
Comments