TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Trade
The New England Revolution and Houston Dynamo have traded midfielders Tommy McNamara and Wilfried Zahibo, plus other considerations, per a Monday morning announcement from both clubs.
The Revs are receiving McNamara and $175,000 in General Allocation Money over two seasons, while the Dynamo are getting Zahibo and an international roster spot that lasts through the 2020 season. The allocation money breaks down as $150,000 in 2020 and $25,000 in 2021.
“We are pleased to acquire Tommy McNamara as a member of the New England Revolution. I’d also like to thank Wilfried Zahibo for his contributions to our club and wish him the very best with the Houston Dynamo,” Revolution sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said in a statement. “Tommy is a veteran player in our league who can play in a number of positions in the midfield. He is an intelligent player who will add a different dimension to our roster, and we look forward to welcoming him to the Revolution.”
“As we prepare for the restart of the season we are pleased to add Wilfried to our roster to strengthen our midfield,” Dynamo senior vice president and GM Matt Jordan said. “We are confident that his physical presence, ability to cover ground, and quality on the ball will create a healthy competition within our group."
McNamara, 29, entered MLS back in 2014 as a second-round SuperDraft pick of now-defunct side Chivas USA out of Brown University. He’s registered 129 appearances (89 starts) alongside 16 goals and 17 assists, with his most productive years coming with NYCFC from 2015-18. McNamara will give New England a different look in midfield with Luis Caicedo (meniscus) and Carles Gil (Achilles tendon) both out long-term, while holding midfielder Matt Polster was also signed back in July.
Zahibo, a 2018 MLS All-Star, arrived in New England from Spain for the 2018 season back when Brad Friedel was head coach. He’s made 58 appearances (41 starts) over the last two-plus seasons, adding five goals and five assists along the way. Zahibo, 26, will add some size and two-way punch to the Dynamo’s midfield.
