The Houston Dynamo continues to shuffle its roster and now has brought on a veteran's name to the midfield: Duane Holmes. The 30-year-old former USMNT player signed for 2026, with option years through 2028. Having spent his entire professional career in England, at Huddersfield Town, Derby County, Scunthorpe United, and most recently Preston North End, he now faces an entirely new challenge.
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Is this signing a name that makes sense, or just another with little impact?
The Texas club is also going through a rebuilding in midfield, especially with the exit of two important players, Héctor Herrera and Coco Carrasquilla. The front office has been on the lookout for solutions to rearrange this portion of the team and has already made signings in names like Jack McGlynn and Nicolás Lodeiro. Holmes' flexibility is undoubtedly a plus point, he is capable of playing as a central midfielder as well as more advanced out on the wide areas, but the biggest adjustment will be to fit into a very different style of play.
This signing can be seen as astute, bringing in a seasoned player who will be able to make a difference with movement, tactical acumen, and vision. Or, it can be seen as a risk, since Holmes has failed to make his mark in Europe recently and possibly lacks the stamina to have an impact in MLS.
The signing is a success if…
Head coach Ben Olsen will have to figure out the best means of fitting Holmes into a team that is still being constructed. If the aim is to use him as a depth piece, he could be an essential rotation player. If the plan is to use him as a winger or advanced midfielder, his adaptation will have to be immediate.
MLS has had its old guard stars shine and become focal points on their respective clubs, but it has also had its veterans struggle to find a place. Holmes arrives without star power, but his journey so far suggests he could be a fine component in some roles. His success will depend on how well he can adjust his skill set into Houston Dynamo's system and the demands of MLS.
The question is whether this reconstruction of the midfield will be sufficient to keep the club in contention. Holmes could prove to be an astute addition or another in a long list of names with no lasting recall. Only time will tell, but for the time being, Houston Dynamo is betting big on this reconstruction and Holmes will be one of those players who will need to demonstrate that this method can work.