TRANSFER TRACKER: Signing
The Houston Dynamo have acquired goalkeeper Marko Maric on a permanent transfer from German Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim by using Targeted Allocation Money, the club announced Monday.
Maric, 24, has appeared in 67 matches across the last three seasons while on loan at Lillestrom SK, a club in Norway’s top flight. Born in Austria, he’s also been part of Croatia’s U-19, U-17 and U-16 national teams.
“We are very pleased as a club to secure the full transfer of Marko Maric from Hoffenheim. His commanding presence in goal, excellent shot-stopping ability and winning mentality will make an immediate impact to our team,” said Dynamo senior vice president and GM Matt Jordan in a statement. “At 24 years old, Marko already has over 125 first team appearances in Europe, and we are confident working with our staff that he can continue to raise his level individually and for our group.”
Maric originally moved to Hoffenheim from Rapid Vienna in 2015, though spent two years on loan at Lechia Gdansk in Poland’s first division. He also spent time at Hannover 96, a German club now in the 2. Bundesliga.
With the addition of Maric, Houston have 25 players under contract as first-year head coach Tab Ramos welcomes the group for preseason Jan. 20 in preparation for a Feb. 29 home opener against the LA Galaxy.
In terms of other goalkeepers, the Dynamo only had Michael Nelson on the books after they chose not to pick up Tyler Deric’s club option and Joe Willis was traded to expansion side Nashville SC. This offseason, they've also been linked with former US men's national team goalkeeper William Yarbrough.
