FC Dallas culminated their pursuit of Santiago Mosquera on Monday, announcing the signing of the Colombian striker via from Millionarios. Mosquera will occupy a Young Designated Player spot on FC Dallas' roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa
“Mosquera has all the things we were looking for this offseason,” said FC Dallas technical director Fernando Clavijo in a team statement. “He plays specifically how Oscar [Pareja] would like to play. It was not an easy signing because he is a very high-quality player. He will make us better, for sure. He allows us to open up space on the field for Mauro [Diaz] and have a strong offensive lineup.”
A young frontrunner brimming with quickness, finishing instincts and trickery on the ball, Mosquera scored nine goals in the Colombian league last year. While Dallas did not specify the amount of the transfer fee required to bring him to MLS, multiple media reports placed his valuation in the $4 million range.
He joins an FCD side that harbors legitimate trophy ambitions this season but has long been searching for a clinical striker to spearhead their attack, with last year’s showcase signing Cristian Colman struggling in his first season in North America.
Dallas kick off their 2018 campaign with a CONCACAF Champions League opening-round series vs. Panama’s Tauro FC on Feb. 21 and 28.
Mosquera, who turned 23 earlier this month, has arrived in Dallas and could join his new team for their next preseason camp, in Arizona. FCD kick off their involvement with the Mobile Mini Sun Cup tournament on Wednesday, facing the New England Revolution in Tucson at 7 pm ET.
