Houston Dynamo cashes in with record sale of defensive star | OneFootball

MLS keeps selling its top talents to the largest markets in the world, and Houston Dynamo just closed one of its biggest contracts to date. Brazilian center-back Micael, a cornerstone of the Texas club's backline, was sold to Palmeiras for a record-breaking sum of as much as $6 million. The defender joined Dynamo in 2022, departing the American league after playing 80 matches and starring for them in the US Open Cup title.

Micael transitioned from Atlético Mineiro to MLS, initially joining the club's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate team, Houston Dynamo 2. His fast-paced development earned him a spot in the senior team, where he soon found himself a constant fixture in the coaching staff's plans. In a bit more than two and a half years, the Brazilian went from being a potential candidate to a defensive pillar in the league, offering a decent partnership with Erik Sviatchenko and helping Dynamo be one of the top defenses last season.

Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad noted Micael's impact and the club's commitment to developing talent: "We thank Micael for his time at Dynamo and are proud of his development during his time with us. We knew of his ambition to play in a top club in the world, and we're happy to assist him to the next level in his career."

What Micael's departure means for Dynamo

Houston Dynamo's backline conceded just 39 goals in 2023—one of the top totals in MLS, thanks in large part to Micael being at the back. His loss leaves a massive gap in the side, and the club is already looking for cover. Brazilian center-back Felipe Andrade from Fluminense is reportedly on the cusp of signing, with Daniel Steres, Ethan Bartlow, and new signing Obafemi Awodesu the team's direct options.

Head coach Ben Olsen is then left with the challenge of rebuilding his defense that is lacking one of its pillars. And in this transfer, it also confirms the argument that MLS has become a lucrative market, not just for young prodigies but also for foreign clubs in search of quality reinforcements.

Ready for the next challenge

Micael arrives at Palmeiras, where he is part of a squad that fights titles on all fronts. His mission? To make the team's backline solid and fight for a spot in a highly competitive team. The center-back bid an emotional farewell to Houston Dynamo and its supporters.

"I'm extremely grateful to have spent the past few years in Houston. To the fans and the club for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to grow as a player and as a person, I'm very grateful."

And the million-dollar question is. Will Micael have the same impact on Brazilian soccer that he had on MLS? Houston Dynamo took a young prospect and turned him into a highly sought-after player on the international market. Palmeiras is expecting his development to continue as he enters the South American stage.