Rating the Needs: Houston Dynamo’s Summer Transfer Priorities

(image via Ricky Vega)

The summer transfer window is officially open in Major League Soccer, giving clubs a crucial opportunity to retool, reload, and in some cases, rescue their seasons. For the Houston Dynamo, a team fighting for consistency in a competitive Western Conference, the next month could be pivotal.

We break down the Dynamo’s squad position-by-position, rating the need for reinforcements on a scale from 1 (low priority) to 5 (critical need).

Goalkeeper – Rating: 1/5

Injuries early this season forced the Dynamo to go out and sign Jonathan Bond and bring him back to Major League Soccer. Bond has been, as Ben Olsen said, “what we ordered.” Houston has used four different goalkeepers this season with Andrew Tarbell, Jimmy Maurer, and Blake Gillingham all starting games in 2025. Goalie Wars champion Pedro Cruz is also waiting in the wings at Dynamo 2. Bond and Maurer are under contract through 2026 and Gillingham has an option for next season. Goalkeeper is definitely not a position of need for this team any longer.

Fullbacks – Rating: 2.5/5

The emergence of Felipe Andrade has made the fullback position an area of depth all of a sudden. Andrade has started over Griffin Dorsey at right back numerous times lately and has played on the left as well. Michael Halliday was brought in to provide depth for Dorsey but has yet to see the field for the senior team this season. One thing throwing a wrench into this, the health of Franco Escobar. The Argentine was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair during Saturday’s match and if he is out long-term, this rating will go up. Escobar is also out of contract this season so more depth at the position will be needed if Andrade is being groomed as the starter for the future there. Also, has anyone seen Daniel Steres?

Center Backs – Rating: 4/5

Erik Sviatchenko’s health has been a huge blow to this Dynamo team in 2025, especially after the departure of Micael. Femi Awodesu was thrust into the starting lineup early and he just wasn’t ready. Pablo Ortiz has been okay, and Ethan Bartlow’s re-emergence has been a savior for a team struggling to field the same back four every week. Sviatchenko will turn 34 in October and all the other guys mentioned have options at the end of the season (Ortiz’s is a buy option for his loan). Bringing in another center back, even one via trade from within MLS, should be at the top of the priorities this window.

Defensive Midfield – Rating: 2/5

Artur will turn 30 at the start of next season and the captain has been hot and cold this year. His backup, fellow Brazilian Junior Urso, will be 37 next March. They may not need to do it during this window but, a long term option to take over for Artur at the 6 should be explored. Both He and Urso have options for the 2026 season.

Central/Box-to-Box Midfield – Rating: 2/5

Jack McGlynn was originally brought in as the Hector Herrera replacement but he quickly shifted to a more attacking position and Brooklyn Raines has gotten the majority of minutes as an 8. Raines is still very young, and the even younger Sebastian Rodriguez is close to breaking through from Dynamo 2. Erik Dueñas is another young option but has played sparingly. If there was a chance to bring in a veteran to provide some depth here, I could see the Dynamo doing it, otherwise, they probably hold tight with what they’ve got.

Attacking Midfield – Rating: 5/5

Creativity has been inconsistent all season. It seems like we say that every season though. The Dynamo lack a true playmaker capable of unlocking defenses in tight spaces. Whether it’s a traditional No. 10 or a creative winger who drifts inside, this is the most glaring need in the squad. A player who can feed the forwards and add goals themselves is essential. Ondrej Lingr was thought to be that but after bursting onto the scene early, he’s been very quiet since. We haven’t seen enough from Duane Holmes yet, either. McGlynn looks to be hanging around, at least through this season, with his new contract but he needs help. Amine Bassi and Sebastian Kowalczyk have their moments but an improvement in that 10 role could push this team from borderline playoff team to contenders.

Wingers – Rating: 2.5/5

Lawrence Ennali has recovered from his knee injury and is back as the locked-in starter on the left. McGlynn’s role has him playing off the right and Dorsey/Andrade are the de facto right wingers in Olsen’s formation. Nelson Quiñones’ return has been a slow one, but to be expected with the Colombian basically having his whole knee reconstructed. Exon Arzu made his debut earlier this season but has also battled injuries with Dynamo 2. Lingr and Kowalczyk can play wide too, if needed, but if the right option is available on the market, it could be worth pursuing.

Striker – Rating: 1/5

Say what you will about Ezequiel Ponce and his production but he is a Designated Player and the starter every week, barring injury or suspension. He’s dealt with both of those this season but the Dynamo have options behind him. They brought in Toyosi Olusanya to be Ponce’s backup but Gabe Segal took his chance in the Bronx and scored a brace. Ponce’s contract runs through the summer of 2027. Segal is out of contract this season and playing for a job, while Olusanya is signed through next summer. There won’t be any new signings up front during this window.

Overall Summary

The bottom line is, this Dynamo team is lacking the talent on the roster that most competing teams in MLS have. Without reinforcements in key areas, particularly attacking midfield and center back, they risk a season of mediocrity, missing the playoffs, and taking a step backwards in this rebuild. Targeted signings—especially a player who can change games in the final third—should be the front office’s top priority this window.