The FC Dallas Breakout Index: Post 2026 World Cup
My how things have changed since I last updated the Index all the way back in March.
Sam Hale
We've had not one but two members of the Index sign new contracts along with a new signing making their way on the list. Let's get after it.
One: Kaick
Previous ranking: one
Our #1 from March remains at the top, but the gap is narrowing. Kaick's strong 2026 earned him a contract extension back in May. That news came alongside rumors that European clubs were circling around Dallas' Brazilian wunderkind.
It was a smart piece of business for the club. Either Kaick stays on the new contract thereby securing a crucial piece for the future, or the price goes up because Dallas has increased negotiating leverage. Being savvy will help Dallas one way or another in this transaction.
On field, Kaick's importance is heightened with the knowledge that Ramiro is out for weeks with a foot injury. Dallas' midfield depth is lacking, meaning Kaick will need to log even more minutes across a strenuous August schedule that includes Leagues Cup along with MLS play.
(Editor's note: Dallas announced the loan of Rhode Island FC midfielder Clay Holstad Monday. He'll be with Dallas through December 2026.)
The transfer window is open, meaning if clubs get serious about Kaick we could be talking about a sizeable transaction. Thanks to that new contract, I have a suspicion the Pitbull will be calling Frisco home in the immediate term.
Two: Benji Flowers
Previous ranking: four
Speaking of new contracts, Flowers made huge news last week after the club announced him as the newest Homegrown along with an agreement with English giant Chelsea for his departure upon turning 18.
Sam Hale
Something I missed in the initial write-up (almost fortuitously for this article's sake) was a couple paragraphs down in Tom Bogert's reporting on this matter:
One of the add-ons is if Flowers plays a nominal amount of minutes before the 2026 season ends, incentivizing Dallas to give him a taste of senior soccer, sources said.
I speculated that either Dallas or Chelsea would push to have Flowers debut with the first team before years' end. Now we know that it's a contractual obligation, and my understanding after asking around is that Dallas is quite motivated to achieve that add-on.
All that means before 2026 draws to a close Flowers will almost certainly appear with FC Dallas proper. Anything can happen, but assuming health this feels a safe bet. How much time is unknown, but anytime a 15 year old is presumed to make his MLS debut that rockets them up the Index.
Third: Edouard Nys
Previous ranking: two
Nys has long been my pet cat from the 2026 SuperDraft, and he's done nothing but reward that faith thus far.
Sam Hale
With nine goals and five assists through 18 games with North Texas SC, Nys is a valuable piece of John Gall's squad. He's even captained the squad in regular captain Slade Starnes' absence.
Monday it was announced Nys is heading to Charlotte for the MLS All Star Game, representing Next Pro in the All Star Skills Competition. He's the first ever Next Pro outfield player to participate in the competition. It's great recognition for Nys who joins Flowers and Petar Musa as Dallas players who will be in the Queen City for All Star festivities.
His path to the first team is complicated, as Dallas' forward room is well occupied. His needing an international slot adds a hurdle which might mean 2027 is the more likely timeline for Nys' first team arrival. As Dallas struggles for creativity outside of Santi Moreno however, Nys' success at NTSC becomes less deniable.
If I was Andre Zanotta, and thankfully for everyone's sake I'm not, I'd try and find a suitor for Patrickson. Be it on loan or permanently, they occupy the same position profile on the roster along with both needing an international spot. I personally believe there's more value in getting Patrickson playing time elsewhere both for his own development and value. Meanwhile Nys could come in and become a more all around impact player for less money.
Granted I'm the highest man on Nys who isn't related to him, so consider that bias as well.
Four: Da'vian Kimbrough
Previous ranking: NR
Back in June North Texas SC announced they'd acquired Kimbrough on loan from USL side Sacramento Republic. If that name sounds familiar to the soccer sicko reading this, there's a reason:
On Oct. 1, 2023, Kimbrough made his professional debut for Sacramento Republic FC at 13 years, 7 months and 13 days old, becoming the youngest player to debut in a professional American soccer league. Current FC Dallas assistant coach Mark Briggs, who was Sacramento's head coach at the time, handed Kimbrough his professional debut.
In just over 100 minutes with NTSC, Kimbrough has just a single assist. That's not a surprise for someone who is 16 playing at this level. This loan isn't about production, it's an audition.
Briggs being on staff feels a piece of this. It's fair to say he'd have an advantage in knowing what Kimbrough is/isn't, and whether getting him in the club ecosystem was worth their time. Consider also that as recently as last December rumors persisted that Real Madrid wanted to sign Kimbrough, Dallas getting him for any amount of time is clutch.
As long as Kimbrough doesn't implode, I'd expect Dallas to do everything within reason to sign him permanently. After that I wouldn't be shocked to see them try and execute a deal similar to Flowers'. Either they snag an up and coming talent for cheap that can eventually lead the first team line or they sell him to someone in Europe who overvalues him. Both outcomes represent victories for Dallas, so it's worth a gamble.
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