The Houston Dynamo made a significant move by signing Argentine striker Ezequiel Ponce for a club-record transfer fee. While the exact amount was not disclosed by the team, reports suggest that the MLS club paid $8 million to AEK Athens in Greece. This surpasses the previous record of $4.5 million paid for forward Sebastian Ferreira in 2022.
Ponce, who is 27 years old, has an impressive track record with 65 goals in 247 career matches across various leagues in South America and Europe. He has signed a contract with the Dynamo that runs through June 2027, with options for extensions through December 2027 and 2028. The striker will occupy a designated player spot in Houston, a team that has struggled to score goals and is currently tied for the fewest goals in the Western Conference.
General manager Pat Onstad expressed his satisfaction with the signing, stating that Ponce was their top target after an extensive global search for a new starting striker. He highlighted Ponce’s experience in top competitions, his suitability to the team’s style of play, and his exemplary character and professionalism. Onstad also mentioned that Ponce and his family were eager to join the Dynamo project, and that the player impressed the team throughout the evaluation process.
Ponce’s professional career has taken him to various countries, including Argentina, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Russia. His diverse experience and goal-scoring ability make him a valuable addition to the Houston Dynamo as they aim to improve their performance and achieve success in the upcoming seasons. The team is excited to welcome Ponce, his wife Martina, and their young family to Houston, and they are optimistic about the positive impact he will have on the squad.