Dynamo Rumor Roundup: January 3, 2024
(image via denil.maldonado/Instagram)
Transfer season is officially here in the world of soccer with most European leagues having January windows for moves. MLS is in preseason and teams are beginning to make moves as well. There are some big names moving around and into Major League Soccer. The Houston Dynamo will likely be busy this month in bringing in some new players, with a Designated Player spot available. There’s also the possibility of Coco Carrasquilla being on the move out. Let’s take a look at the latest rumors online about who could be coming to Houston.
Cuiabano
The 20-year-old Brazilian left back is reportedly wanted by the Dynamo, with an offer already being turned down. He currently plays for Gremio in Brazil’s top flight. Cuiabano has mostly played left back but has also played on the wing and in the midfield. He looks to be a signing for the future, if the deal gets done, likely starting at Dynamo 2 and taking over the role Isaiah LeFlore has played in, while learning behind the likes of Franco Escobar and Brad Smith. Looking at his scouting report though, maybe he isn’t too far off the first team.
Denil Maldonado
The Dynamo had a thing for Hondurans for a few years. They could be bringing in another with reports that the club is interested in former LAFC defender Denil Maldonado. The 25-year-old joined LAFC this season on loan from Motagua with an option to buy but the Western Conference champions declined to buy him. Now with Maldonado available, he looks to want to stay in MLS with Atlanta United also reportedly interested. Maldonado mostly played center back in Los Angeles but spent some time at left back as well in his 21 appearances with 19 starts. With Teenage Hadebe now gone, Maldonado would be a good option to fill that left-sided defender position behind Micael in the depth chart, and at 25 years old is still young and able to compete in this league.
Jean Gabriel
Another 20-year-old, Jean Gabriel is a Brazilian midfielder that plays for Coritiba in Brazil. There aren’t a lot of stats for him online but this report mentions his 8 goals and one assists in just under 2,000 minutes. Jean Gabriel would likely be another Dynamo 2 signing to try and grow under Kenny Bundy and staff while being able to traing with the veteran first-team midfielders.
