Sebastian Ferreira's frustrating season at Houston Dynamo FC has come to an end.
The Paraguayan striker was loaned to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama for the remainder of the year, the Texas MLS club announced on Thursday. Ferreira joined the Houston Dynamo on Jan. 18, 2022, in a transfer dubbed the "most expensive signing in club history."
The Asunción native scored 13 goals and tallied three assists in 42 MLS appearances for Houston. He is one of three Designated Players this season alongside defender Teenage Hadebe and midfielder Hector Herrera.
This season, Ferreira was limited to 295 MLS minutes with two 90-minute appearances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. His most recent appearance was a 12-minute outing off the bench in a July 8 match against Sporting Kansas City.
Why is Sebastian Ferreira going on loan?
After initially being in the plans, at least based on Ben Olsen's introductory press conference, the Designated Player fell out of favor after one start. He played as a substitute for nine matches with his only other start in league play coming on May 20 at FC Dallas.
The club went to Corey Baird as a consistent option until it brought in forward Aliyu Ibrahim for more mobility in the lone striker role. Ibrahim has ammased over 1,000 minutes across all competitions since making his debut in May.
"This has been a challenging year for Sebas, and we are happy to find a solution that gives him an opportunity for more playing time in a top league for the next five months," said Dynamo general manager, Pat Onstad. "Sebas had a difficult time earning minutes early this season meanwhile our group has been above the playoff line for most of the season, while also advancing to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. We started the season with a different plan for Sebas, but situation's changed. We hope this time away is good for him and we look forward to welcoming him back in January."
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Who is Sebastian Ferreira's new team?
Vasco da Gama competes in Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileño de Serie A, known commonly as the Brasileirão, the top-flight division in the country’s pro system. The team is one of 10 Brazilian sides to win the Copa Libertadores and they have also won five domestic titles in the first division.
Currently, the team occupies the last place in the standings. With a 2W-3D-10L record, the team sits six points from 16th place which would pull it out of the relegation zone.
Argentine head coach Ramón Díaz reunites with Ferreira, coaching him previously in Paraguay at Libertad. Vasco's next match is on Saturday at 15th place Corinthians.
Do the Houston Dynamo open up a DP spot?
The biggest question Dynamo fans have been asking is if the club will regain the Designated Player spot Ferreira occupies. The Dynamo declined to comment when asked for clarification.
The Athletic's Tom Bogert has reported that the move will not open up a DP spot for the Dynamo but that it would free up some cap space. Ferreira is on the books for a $1,760,000 base salary ($2,130,200 guaranteed) according to the MLS Players Association.
It will, of course, open up an international slot and a senior roster spot.
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