Houston Dynamo: Analyzing José Bizama Transfer

Houston Dynamo announced the signing of 25-year-old Chilean José Bizama. The defender serves as immediate competition for an inconsistent Dynamo team.

This week, the Houston Dynamo signed Chilean right-back José Bizama on a full transfer from Primera División’s Huachipato FC using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). The Curanilahue native has three international caps to his name and joins a Dynamo defense which already includes four players who occupy international roster slots, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Adam Lundkvist, Aljaz ‘Kiki’ Struna, and Maynor Figueroa. Houston reportedly paid $800,000 for 50% of the player’s rights, and Bizama signed a two-year contract.

Standing at 5′ 11″, Bizama, who has played more than 100 first-division games (all with Huachipato FC) since making his professional debut in 2015,  is capable of playing at center-back, and in central midfield, but he will hope to make the right-back position his own.

His highlights suggest that he will offer greater athleticism, and thus, a greater attacking threat than A.J. DeLaGarza. Bizama looks to be industrious, direct in possession, and incredibly aggressive in defense. He can pick a pass, drive past defenders, and loves a tackle.

Bizama will compete for a starting spot with the experienced DeLaGarza. The Dynamo traded for Chris Duvall during the offseason to provide some much-needed depth at the position, but this latest transaction indicates that Houston were uncomfortable with the idea of Duvall being the long-term answer at right-back. Head Coach Wílmer Cabrera had this to say upon the announcement of Bizama’s arrival:

"“He will bring a lot of good qualities to the team and provide possibilities to play in different positions. He just turned 25, so we also looked at that as we think and plan for the future of the Houston Dynamo.”"

Duvall has made more appearances for Rio Grande Valley (three appearances, three starts) than he has for the Dynamo (one appearance, one start) so far this season. Nonetheless, I do believe that the Dynamo will have to make a difficult decision at the end of the year.

While Duvall has struggled to make an impression, he is both younger (27) and less expensive than three-time MLS Cup Champion DeLaGarza (31), who has struggled since his return from a devastating knee injury sustained in October 2017. DeLaGarza is not asked to contribute much in attack, as he often has Alberth Elis, arguably the most explosive winger in Major League Soccer, ahead of him. Nonetheless, his defending has left much to be desired at times this season, which is surprising considering his vast experience. At this point, it cannot continue, especially as he is one of the Dynamo’s highest earners.

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DeLaGarza is a weak link in the Dynamo starting XI, so I am interested to see what Senior Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan decides to do when the time comes to decide on contract options. I am going to assume that a decision will have to be made on both Duvall and DeLaGarza, and I cannot see DeLaGarza staying unless he takes a big pay cut.

While there is uncertainty regarding the futures of Elis and Mauro Manotas, a move for a right-back is something that was needed for the Dynamo. I still believe that they need to invest in another DP attacker, but I am not holding my breath.

This season has been a case of déjà vu for the Houston Dynamo. There are times, particularly at home, when they play some of the most scintillating football in MLS. However, away from home, they just cannot seem to put points on the board. It could very well prohibit them from reaching the playoffs for a second consecutive season, which would only exacerbate current attendance problems.

Matt Jordan will hope that José Bizama will become another long-term asset for the Houston Dynamo. It was a move that needed to be made, but it could just be the beginning of a big overhaul for La Naranja.