Lopez had been a Dynamo target for over a year.
Houston Dynamo have finalised a deal for Honduras midfielder Alexander Lopez from Honduran club Olimpia. The club had previously been in talks with Olimpia over López in the winter transfer window, but had stopped short of making an offer for the 21 year-old.
In keeping with league and club policy terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the club confirmed on Wednesday that Lopez will join the Dynamo as a young Designated Player. As a young DP in the 21 to 23 age bracket, league rules state that he will count $150,000 against the salary cap and not the usual $368,750 as a second DP. It jumps to $200,000 next season.
Before Dynamo could make the move for Lopez the club had to free up some room under the salary cap, starting with releasing Luiz Camargo earlier this summer to free up an international roster spot and cap space.
With wiggle room under the cap, the Dynamo were able to get the playmaker they wanted and on the field Lopez fits the bill. He’ll bring class on the ball in a midfield stacked with established players, including the likes of Lopez’s fellow Honduran international Boniek Garcia and MLS All-Star Brad Davis. Kinnear believes that his experience at the club and international levels, along with his ability to play both centrally and wide, makes Lopez a great signing for the club.
“He’s got a nice first touch, passes the ball well and he’s not afraid to want the ball and receive the ball in tight spaces,” Kinnear said. “He’s played in big games before in Honduras and Olimpia, so we know he won’t be overawed with anything that comes our way.”
Lopez is expected to head to the US as his visa and international transfer certificate processes are completed. Until those documents are obtained, he cannot appear for the team, however club president Chris Canetti aims to have Lopez available for the match against Seattle Sounders on August 17th.
Source: MLSsoccer.com
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