Houston Exercise Option to Buy Quinones; Revolution and Toronto FC Trade Midfield Players

Clubs around Major League Soccer continue to make changes to their rosters in preparation for the ‘business-end’ of the season after the Leagues Cup.

Two Eastern Conference clubs have swapped midfielders, while Houston Dynamo and Charlotte FC have made permanent signings to add to their squad.

Here’s the latest transfer news you may have missed…

Nelson Quinones originally joined Houston Dynamo last summer on loan with an option-to-buy Colombian side Once Caldas, and the Texas team have made his move permanent.

Quinones’ contract will run through the 2025 season, with Houston having an option to extend it for a further season in 2026. The 20-year-old will take up one of Houston’s U22 Initiative slots.

“We are excited to find a solution that allows Nelson to remain in Houston and continue contributing to the club’s resurgence this season,” Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said. “We are grateful to our ownership for continuing to provide resources to attract and retain young talents who improve our team and possess the potential to play at the highest levels in the game.”

“Credit to our coaching staff for guiding his development at the club and credit to Nelson for embracing this opportunity to advance his career and contribute to the Dynamo moving forward. He has made great strides over the summer and we look forward to seeing what his ceiling will be as a player.”

Toronto FC and New England Revolution have completed a straight swap deal that sends Latif Blessing to TFC and Mark-Anthony Kaye to the Revs.

In addition to Blessing going to TFC, the Revs are also sending a 2023 international roster slot to the Canadian side.

Revs sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena shared his thoughts on the trade.

“Mark-Anthony Kaye is a good addition to our roster and we welcome him to the New England Revolution. His experiences at the MLS and international levels offer our team a player of quality who will complement our midfield,” he said.

On the opposite side of the border, TFC general manager Jason Hernandez had this to say regarding the deal.

“We are happy to welcome Latif to our club. His versatility and tireless work rate will be a welcomed addition to our group. He not only brings a winning mentality, but a selfless approach to the game, and we are looking forward to integrating him into our team,” Hernandez added.

Brecht Dejaegere has signed with Charlotte FC on a free transfer after previously playing for Ligue 1 side Toulouse, tallying over 85 goal involvements while playing in Europe in central midfield.

The 32-year-old’s contract runs through the 2025 MLS season.

“Brecht is a playmaking central midfielder with attacking instinct, and we’re excited to welcome him to Charlotte,” Charlotte sporting director Zoran Krneta said. “He has spent close to a decade as a key figure at clubs in Belgium and France where he has captained teams and won trophies.”

“His experience across multiple leagues and European competition will add even more leadership in our locker room alongside other established veteran leaders. Brecht will add a different dimension to our midfield as we continue to reinforce the squad in the summer transfer window.”