Meet the New Guys - Franco Negri
(image via Ricky Vega)
Previous Club: San Diego FC
Acquired by: Signed through the 2026 season with a club option through June 2027
Position: Defender
Who is Franco Negri?
Franco Negri is a left back who spent the majority of his career in Argentina before making the jump to MLS in 2023. A true journeyman, Negri represented seven different clubs between 2016 and 2022, but a strong final season with Godoy Cruz earned him a move to Inter Miami and their ambitious new project.
Negri immediately became Miami’s starting left back and was arguably playing the best soccer of his career until an unfortunate ACL tear in early June cut his season short. The injury meant he was sidelined when Lionel Messi arrived just a month later. Miami subsequently signed Jordi Alba, one of the greatest left backs of his generation, pushing Negri down the depth chart upon his return.
He was later selected by San Diego FC ahead of their inaugural 2025 season, but once again found himself on the outside looking in after the emergence of young left back Luca Bombino, who broke out as an 18-year-old. With San Diego declining his 2026 contract option, Negri now gets a fresh opportunity after being picked up by the Houston Dynamo as a free agent.
What Does Negri Bring to Houston?
The Dynamo have been searching for defensive depth since the start of the 2025 offseason, and they finally address that need with the addition of an experienced left back who can both start and provide cover for Felipe Andrade, assuming Andrade enters 2026 as the first-choice option. Negri is excellent in possession, a trait that head coach Ben Olsen highly values, and should fit seamlessly into the Dynamo’s system.
Where Negri falls short is in his physical profile. He has never been a particularly imposing player and has lost some athleticism following his ACL injury. That said, he brings significant roster value. Negri holds a green card, meaning he does not occupy an international slot, and he arrives on a senior minimum salary, a major asset in terms of roster construction.
Given his roster designation and domestic status, this is a low-risk, high-reward signing. However, Pat Onstad has indicated the club is still exploring a TAM-level addition at either left back or left center back, which could limit Negri’s minutes if another signing arrives.
The big question now is whether Negri can rediscover the form he showed prior to his 2023 ACL injury, or if he settles in as a reliable depth option, as he did in San Diego. Either way, this is a smart, cap-friendly move for the Dynamo, and one that offers upside if the club can help restore confidence in a clearly talented player.
