Houston Dynamo transfer Mauro Manotas to Liga MX's Club Tijuana

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer

The Houston Dynamo have completed the transfer of forward Mauro Manotas to Liga MX's Club Tijuana, the club announced Tuesday. The transfer fee is undisclosed, but Houston will retain a portion of his sell-on rights.

Manotas, 25, is the Dynamo's second all-time leading scorer behind Brian Ching. He had 51 goals and 17 assists in 149 career appearances with the club.

“Mauro came to the Dynamo as a teenager and leaves having scored over sixty goals for the club. He’s been a key contributor in important moments and helped lead the Club to a championship during his time in Houston. It’s been rewarding to see him develop and grow over the years,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan in a team release. “Mauro will go down as one of the best players in the history of our club and we wish him and his family well with this next step with Club Tijuana.”

Manotas helped guide Houston to winning the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, scoring a brace in the final. The Colombian forward endured a disappointing 2020 season, with just three goals and two assists in 20 appearances (15 starts).

Club Tijuana finished 15th in the Liga MX Apertura, which is wrapping up their playoffs soon.

“I am eternally grateful for the belief and support this Club made to help me grow as a person and as a player since I joined the team,” Manotas said. “I will miss you, Houston. This has been my home for the last five years and we have so many memories tied to this beautiful city. My family and I are now preparing for our next journey and we will take all of these memories with us. There are so many teammates, friends and staff to thank, I am grateful for them and for the fans who make this Club so special.”

The Dynamo also transferred fellow attacking star Alberth Elis earlier this year, joining Portuguese club Boavista. With Elis and Manotas gone, the club are set to have two open Designated Player spots alongside Darwin Quintero.

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