Image: Toros95
02/23/2022
FC Dallas' home opener is only days away and after a disappointing 2021 season, they've made major changes during the offseason to fix the club and become competitive again. They've hired former USMNT assistant coach Nico Estevez and have brought in several new players who already look like locked-in starters like Paul Arriola, Marteen Paes, and Marco Farfan. One of their significant signings, however, still hasn't trained or even stepped foot in North Texas since he signed, the Argentine winger Alan Velasco.
Velasco was a long anticipated signing, after it was rumored on Twitter that FC Dallas were pursuing him. It took some time but Dallas eventually landed him for a franchise record, rumored to be around $7 million. (https://www.transfermarkt.us/alan-velasco/profil/spieler/661154)
Unfortunately the visa process for Velasco has been a long one and has prevented him from arriving in North Texas in a timely matter. In order to help him accumulate to the team quicker, the club had him meet the team via video conference.
Today it was reported by Jon Arnold, FC Dallas writer for the Striker, that Velasco is set to arrive in Dallas on Friday, just a day before the first game.
Given the short time frame, it's very unlikely that Velasco will play for the Toros in the home opener. His absence shouldn't affect the team too greatly in the first week, though. This season, Dallas has several attacking options. Jader Obrian, Jesus Ferreira, and Paxton Pomykal led Dallas to a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo in their last preseason match. https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-defeats-houston-dynamo-2-1-in-final-preseason-match)
Velasco will possibly make his debut in their match against the New England Revolution on March 5th. That still doesn't give him a ton of time to practice with his new teammates but he'll be better rested and somewhat familiar with his teammates' play style by then. For right now, fans will have to be patient while Velasco gets acclimated to his new home and club.
By Toros95
Twitter- @Toros9596