Houston Dynamo sign ex-Atlanta United & LAFC defender Franco Escobar via free agency
By Chris Smith
The Houston Dynamo have completed the signing of defender Franco Escobar via free agency.
Escobar has signed a two-year deal through the 2024 MLS season, with the Dynamo holding an option to extend his stay for a further year.
The 27-year-old Argentine, who can play both right-back and center-back, is approaching 100 MLS appearances having previously enjoyed spells with Atlanta United and LAFC - winning MLS Cup with the former and an MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield double with the latter.
“Franco is a winner in our league. Since coming to MLS in 2018, he has won every major domestic trophy available, including two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, Campeones Cup, and the US Open Cup,” Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said in a club press release.
“He will strengthen our backline and provide valuable experience to our locker room. We are thrilled that Franco chose Houston in the next step in his career.”
Escobar is one of a number of major incomings for the Dynamo, who are preparing for their first season under new head coach Ben Olsen. The defender is joined by the likes of Ivan Franco, Artur, Brad Smith, and Ifunanyachi Achara.
Going the other way, Houston have seen senior players such as Tim Park, Adam Lundqvist, Fafa Picault, Matias Vera, and Memo Rodriguez depart.
The Dynamo are looking to make the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017 in the upcoming season. They kick off the 2023 campaign away at FC Cincinnati on February 25.