Let's find FC Dallas some new DPs Part 1

After the abrupt summer departure of Lucho Acosta and the winter trade of Jesus Ferreira, FC Dallas is left with one Designated Player in forward Petar Musa. As the club continues their roster rebuild under Eric Quill, there's a maximum of two more DPs the Burn can add if they desire.

With no shade to the existing roster, Dallas needs to add these high-end players. While they've built a higher floor roster in Quill's first year, the ceiling remains too low for championship contention. If you want to win MLS Cup, you need high end talent. Not necessarily LAFC levels of talent, but more than currently occupies Frisco.

So within certain parameters, let's see if we can bolster the Toros' roster with some new blood that could elevate them to the next level.

Player criteria

It's not a big secret that Dallas has opened the checkbook lately, but they're not going to be gigantic spenders. With Musa representing their biggest ever spend at around $12 million that gives us a reasonable upper end framework. For this exercise, we'll be targeting players with a value of no more than $15 million per Transfermarkt.

As well we'll be looking at players between the ages of 23-30. Any younger and they'd fall into a U22 Designation, which is its own kettle of fish. Any older and they don't fit the Dallas timeline. Anyone signed from this exercise should provide between two to five years of high quality play minimum.

In regard to fit, we'll be looking at players who can slot into Dallas' 5-2-3. The current expectation is that will be the formation going into 2026 after it emerged as the Toros' best option in 2025.

One final note: They can't currently play in MLS. While there's plenty of quality DPs in the league, interleague movement usually involves talent subtraction in facilitating addition. Dallas needs to add players, not shift around existing pieces. Bringing in external transfers accomplishes that goal best.

Ridle Baku, RWB, RB Leipzig

If you're going to shoot, shoot high. Baku is a German national who has spent all but one season playing in the Bundesliga for either Mainz, Wolfsburg, and now Leipzig. He's also got six caps for the German senior national team.

At a current market value of 12 million Euros, or just under 14 million US dollars as of this writing, Baku would break Dallas' transfer record. The 27 year old has versatility in his boots as well, being able to play all three right sided wide positions. But since he'd be a right wing back in Dallas, let's look at his scouting report at fullback:

A superb offensive player with some quality defensive chops is exactly what Dallas would need in a front line wing back. Yes he would be expensive, but good players cost money. A veteran top five league player with international experience would be a great add, even if it did break the bank.

For your perusal, some highlights from his tenure at Wolfsburg:

Mauro Júnior, LWB, PSV Eindhoven

Another in prime defender, Júnior's professional career has all been in the Netherlands primarily with PSV or their youth squad. He's got 19 caps across three different Brazilian youth national squads, but could swap to the Netherlands as his senior team after meeting the standards for a Dutch passport.

Another 12 million Euro valued player, Júnior's all-around game is perfect for what Dallas needs at left wing back. Not unlike Baku his scouting report is covered in green:

A strong passer from the left side mixed with good defensive numbers, especially tackles, makes Júnior a good fit for a physical MLS style of play. If Dallas isn't sure about Júnior's quality, they do have a quality source to ask: Ricardo Pepi. El Tren is teammates with Júnior, so he'd be able to give them first hand experience with the Brazilian.

It's nothing against Bernard Kamungo, but not unlike with Boku a dominant wing back would be huge in game control and attacking width. Being able to drop him back into the five at the back is an asset, as he can hold his own.

Charlie Cresswell, CB, Toulouse

In a three center back system, Dallas needs at least one more high end player alongside Osaze Urhoghide. Let's assume Nolan Norris is getting a chance at left center back after his strong performance in the Burn's final playoff game. Dallas still needs a strong, right footed center back to play on Urhoghide's right side.

Since going to France for Osaze worked so well, let's do it again. Cresswell plays in Ligue 1 for Toulouse, logging 44 games during his tenure. Before that he spent time with Leeds and Millwall across English football. He's also a two time European champion with England's U21 side.

At 6-3, Cresswell is a big body who glides in the box. He plays with the same style of confidence and swagger as Urhogide, and he's a big time threat on set pieces with his size and leaping ability. Case in point:

His current asking price is around 14 million US dollars, but based on his early career that's worth every penny. Cresswell won't turn 24 until next August, meaning even on a big fee Dallas could still recoup and even profit if Cresswell continues his dominance in the US.

Santiago Hezze, DM, Olympiacos

While not a position Dallas might actively look to upgrade, that doesn't mean improvements couldn't be had. Dallas has clearly found one starter in Christian Cappis, and finding his long term partner could be next on the agenda. Kaick is young and emerging, Ramiro is good but aging and his versatility could take him out of midfield when called upon. Dallas needs someone they can ink into the starting eleven next to Cappis.

The 23 year old Argentinian came up through the Huracan system, before a move to Greece's top flight. Despite his value being in excess of $9 million, Hezze's deal was worth $4.69 million. That lends credence to the idea that if he were to make a Frisco move, Dallas could pay under his current almost $14 million fee in acquiring him.

Hezze meanwhile puts the defense in defensive midfielder:

While all that green in the final section is nice, the highlight is actually his progressive passing. Dallas struggles in connecting front to back, so having a player who could forward pass well would be a revelation. At 23, there's plenty of room for him to grow. Learning from a veteran like Ramiro who could teach Hezze the finer things would be a huge bonus.

Not that he's not already skilled, as this highlight video displays:

Hezze would also enable a more aggressive defense, since he could provide defensive cover in the event defenders head up field. The trio of Kaick, Cappis, and Hezze would have legs for days. Creating a strong foundation is critical, especially for a team that's struggled with midfield since the beginning of Paxton Pomykal's injury odyssey.

In part two, we'll examine attacking options for FC Dallas