MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Houston Dynamo reject Aris FC's offer for Coco Carrasquilla and reveal the backstory

Texan club keeps Panamanian star, but doors to Europe remain ajar

By Izabelle Franca

Apr 13, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Coco Carrasquilla (20) jogs on the field during the second half against Minnesota United at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Coco Carrasquilla (20) jogs on the field during the second half against Minnesota United at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports / Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

The football market is abuzz: Houston Dynamo have turned down an offer from Aris FC of Greece for their Panamanian star, Coco Carrasquilla. Let's go behind the scenes of this negotiation and understand what's behind this refusal.

First, let's talk about Coco. He's a good player, period. Since arriving at the Dynamo on loan from FC Cartagena in 2021, Carrasquilla has been a key cog in the Texan midfield. No wonder Houston made a point of buying him in 2022. On the pitch, he doesn't disappoint: 102 games, 14 assists, 9 goals and a constant, dominant presence in midfield. And he's versatile, playing as a midfielder, central midfielder and even as a right winger when needed.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

The 2023 season was a special one for Coco. He was instrumental in winning the US Open Cup and reaching the final of the MLS Western Conference. In terms of numbers, he made 25 appearances in the regular season, scored 3 goals, made 8 assists and had a record of 16-10-11. In the playoffs, he played in all five games, including a crucial assist in the win against Real Salt Lake.

But it's not just at club level that he shines. Playing for Panama, Carrasquilla led his team to the final of the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2023 and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. With two assists, he was decisive, especially in the semi-final win over the USA.

Now back to the offer from Aris FC. The Greeks made an offer, but the Houston Dynamo didn't even blink and rejected it. The reason? The offer was below the value the club expects for its star player. After all, renewing his contract until 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027, wasn't for nothing. Pat Onstad, Houston's general manager, made it clear that extending Coco's contract was a priority. According to Onstad, Coco is "an integral part of one of the best midfields in the league and a key contributor to our recent success".

Carrasquilla's desire to play in Europe is well known. In an interview, he made no secret of it: "For me, it's time to play in Europe. I've had a great season, the truth is I'd like to. But we have to wait, we'll see in this market if there's something that satisfies both parties, even Houston. I want to leave thanking the club." It's a clear sign that, although happy in Houston, Coco is ready for new challenges. And the Dynamo, aware of this, are open to negotiations, as long as the price is fair.

But what does this mean for the Houston Dynamo? Firstly, keeping a player of Carrasquilla's caliber is an asset for any club. His ability to control the game, make accurate passes and help recover balls is crucial to the team's good performance. What's more, his experience and leadership are invaluable in a sport where team chemistry can make all the difference.

Turning down Aris FC's offer also sends a message to the market: Houston is not desperate to sell and values its players. This could lead to future interested parties coming in with more robust offers. And, who knows, the pressure of the European market could make Coco value his performances even more, knowing that every game is a showcase.

On the other hand, Carrasquilla's desire to play in Europe is a reality that Dynamo need to consider. Keeping a player with this desire could be counterproductive. The ideal would be to find a compromise where both the club and the player win. A good European offer could bring important resources to Houston and open the door to new signings.

Should the Dynamo hold on to Coco at all costs or is it time to let him pursue his dreams in Europe? The truth is that, with or without Carrasquilla, the Houston Dynamo must continue to evolve and prepare for the challenges ahead.

feed