Houston Dynamo signs Brazilian striker Guilherme as Designated Player in $2.1M deal | OneFootball

The Houston Dynamo have a new striker. Brazilian forward Guilherme has joined the MLS club from Santos in a deal worth $2.1 million, according to reporting by Pitchside US. The 25-year-old will occupy one of the franchise’s Designated Player (DP) slots.

The initial report was published by Globo Esporte shortly after the conclusion of the Brazilian Championship, a campaign in which Santos narrowly avoided relegation in the final rounds.

The move represents a significant investment by Houston as the club looks to reshape its attacking core ahead of the 2026 season.

A Turbulent Spell at Santos

Guilherme arrived at Santos at the start of 2024 from Grêmio for approximately €900,000, tasked with helping guide the club back to Brazil’s top flight following its relegation in 2023.

Over his spell at the club, the striker made nearly 100 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 19 assists. While the raw numbers reflect steady production, his time at Santos was defined by sharp fluctuations in form and mounting external pressure.

He began strongly, emerging as one of the team’s leading scorers and standing out offensively during the Campeonato Paulista, where his performances generated optimism among supporters. For a stretch, Guilherme was viewed as a central piece of the attacking structure.

Loss of Form and Rising Scrutiny

As the season progressed, Guilherme’s offensive output declined. He endured a prolonged stretch without goals or assists, a downturn that contrasted sharply with early expectations.

Criticism intensified during high-profile matches, particularly following a widely shared moment in which an awkward heading attempt while trailing on the scoreboard became a focal point on social media. The episode fueled narratives questioning his confidence, decision-making, and fit within Santos’ tactical system.

Fractured Relationship With Supporters

With results faltering, the relationship between Guilherme and the fan base deteriorated. Organized supporter groups invaded the CT Rei Pelé training center during protests directed at the squad, with the striker among those targeted.

At Vila Belmiro, he was booed at times, especially when substituted during difficult matches. Calls for his departure grew louder, prompting club leadership to intervene. In an effort to stabilize the situation, directors, members of the coaching staff, and even Neymar were involved in discussions aimed at convincing Guilherme to remain with the team.

Coaching Changes and Psychological Pressure

Guilherme’s tenure also spanned multiple coaching transitions, including the arrival of Juan Pablo Vojvoda. Throughout this period, he underwent technical and psychological evaluations as the staff assessed both his form and his ability to cope with sustained external pressure.

In public statements, the player acknowledged the weight of the situation and credited the support of teammates and figures like Neymar for helping him remain focused amid speculation and criticism.

Away from the pitch, Guilherme sought emotional support from family and religious leaders, underscoring that his challenges extended beyond tactical or physical concerns.

A Fresh Start in MLS

The move to Houston Dynamo offers Guilherme a complete change of environment. As a Designated Player, he arrives with both status and responsibility, expected to be a central attacking figure in a league known for its structure, financial controls, and growing emphasis on player support systems.

For Houston, the signing reflects a calculated bet on talent seeking a reset. For Guilherme, MLS represents an opportunity to rebuild confidence and redefine his trajectory away from the intense scrutiny of Brazilian football.