FC Dallas is sitting in a pretty comfortable spot right now, fourth in the MLS Western Conference, a 7-4-4 record at the World Cup break, and playing well enough to believe this team can make some noise if they can navigate a road-heavy schedule once play resumes in July.
But comfortable is a trap in MLS, and anyone paying attention knows this roster has some holes that could get exposed as the competition tightens.
A lot of what happens next hinges on whether or not the front office is serious. That starts with keeping Petar Musa after this World Cup run is over for Croatia. Musa scored in their opener against England and will only continue to earn additional interest overseas this summer. But if Dallas holds the line with Musa, going out on the open market this summer to round out the holes in the roster could show they mean business.
The good news right now, the entire soccer world is currently providing a nice free scouting service at the World Cup. This is the best time for any club to do some window shopping. You don’t need to begin a bidding war on a player, you just need to be realistic about what the club can and will afford to pay.
For today’s purposes, no position is off the table. And yes, all will need an international roster slot to obtain, but that hasn’t stopped the club before. Here are five players who played at the World Cup this summer that would be worth a call if you are in the Dallas front office.
1. Takehiro Tomiyasu | CB/RB | Japan | Age 27
Contract status: Expires at the end of June, currently with Ajax on a short-erm deal.
The versatile defender, capable of playing at right back or center back, signed with Ajax in December to regain sharpness ahead of the World Cup. He’s a former Arsenal starter, with a Premier League pedigree. The injury history is a concern and we shouldn’t ignore it. But a guy who’s been in Arsenal’s first team, played at multiple top European clubs, and potentially a free agent this summer? In the 3-5-2 that Eric Quill has operated in, he could be a solid addition to help give more flexibility. Dallas could be a spot where he could get a healthy environment to rebuild himself on and off the field. With two visits to Dallas during the Group Stage, maybe he can be sold on the area.
FCD fit: High. Fills the CB depth hole and adds wingback depth simultaneously.
2. Ajdin Hrustic | CM | Australia | Age 29
Contract status: His current one-year deal at Heracles Almelo expires at the end of June.
He’s making roughly $400k annually at Heracles. That isn’t even TAM money in MLS. He has won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfort, and this past season in Holland, he had 1 goal and 6 assists. He’s a left-footed ball midfielder, who can play in a double pivot or as an 8. Like Tomiyasu, there has been a recent injury history that is worth looking at, too. But for less-than-TAM money, to help round out a solid midfield, Dallas has done worse for less (and more).
FCD fit: Solidly high. He’s got the experience and winning pedigree the coaching staff would love to have.
Drew Epperley
3. Daichi Kamada | AM | Japan | Age 29
Contract status: His current deal with Crystal Palace reportedly expires at the end of June.
Okay, this one is possibly the biggest long shot on the list. The Japanese international is set to depart Selhurst Park when his contract expires and there are reportedly no active renewal discussions. He helped Palace win a FA Cup with former FC Dallas academy defender and current USMNT starter Chris Richards. He’s also won the Europa League with Frankfort.
If Dallas wants to add a true playmaker to help Musa out in his MVP-season, this one is it. While some big European moves could, and will still likely, materialize for him after this tournament, Dallas could re-do their roster construction by buying out Geovane Jesus and unloading Enes Sali, to switch back to a DP structure.
FCD fit: If Dallas wants to be big and bold, prove some fans wrong about their ambitions, this is a sold way to do it.
The cap math, the international slot puzzle, and which of these guys actually fits the 3-5-2 — that’s paid subscriber territory.
4. Memphis Depay | ST | Netherlands | Age 32
Contract status: Expires July 31, 2026 at Corinthians.
I said to myself at the start of this that I wouldn’t go after a bigger name, but seeing that Depay would be a free agent after July was too good to not include on this list. Memphis is the Netherlands all-time top scorer with 55 international goals (as of this writing). He’s a bonafide name.
Here’s the rub. He’s been owed unpaid bonuses by Corinthians and is keen to leave. His not likely to get a big deal back in Europe, so a stop in North America could be next for him.
FCD fit: He may require a DP slot. And with the stadium still under construction, it may be a tough sell for the guy to come here during that. One can dream, right?
5. Ramiz Zerrouki | CDM | Algeria | Age 28
Contract status: On loan at Twente through June 2026, but parent club Feyenoord is looking to move him for a low fee before June 2027.
This one would require a small transfer fee, but his potential price may be worth it. Zerrouki has said himself that he doesn’t see a future at Feyenoord, plus the club apparently wants to get rid of him. There are plenty of clubs in Europe monitoring his progress and situation. He’s a 28-year old Algerian with 50-plus caps for his national side. He’s got solid Eredivisie pedigree.
FCD fit: File this one under the “If FC Dallas gets an insane offer on Kaick this summer” kind of move. Zerrouki isn’t an immediate need right now, but if Kaick is unloaded, he could be a nice replacement.
BigDSoccer’s paid members get the stuff the national outlets don’t bother with — salary cap breakdowns, roster strategy, and honest takes on what this front office is actually doing. If you’re serious about FC Dallas, this is where the conversation goes deeper.
