Houston Dynamo to become the most Brazilian-heavy squad in MLS

Houston Dynamo sign Guilherme, becoming MLS's most Brazilian-heavy squad.

On Thursday night (25), Houston Dynamo FC finalized the signing of forward Guilherme from Santos FC for a reported fee of US$2 million. Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo first reported the deal. FC Dallas, which previously held the unofficial title in 2025, has announced that some of its Brazilian players, like the youngster Pedrinho, would not be returning this season.

And now, with the addition of Guilherme, the Houston Dynamo holds the distinction of being the MLS club with the most Brazilian players on its roster, totaling six. Alongside the newly signed forward, the squad already includes midfielders Artur and Gustavo Dohmann, as well as defenders Antônio Carlos, Lucas Halter, and Felipe Andrade.

It is worth noting that Guilherme, Lucas Halter, and Gustavo Dohmann have not yet been officially announced by the club. However, negotiations for all three are at an advanced stage, with final agreements expected to be completed shortly. Lucas would arrive to replace another Brazilian centerback, Micael, who left for Palmeiras earlier in the year.

Formal announcements by the Houston Dynamo are anticipated in the coming days, at which point these signings will become official.

Meet the Brazilians of the Houston Dynamo

Guilherme

An experienced and versatile forward, Guilherme is known for his mobility, high work rate, and ability to operate on the wings or as a second striker. Developed at Grêmio, he built a solid career in Brazilian football with spells at Fortaleza, Sport, and Santos.

From 2023 onward, he played a central role in Santos’ attack, contributing decisively during the club’s Série B campaign and its return to the top flight. His tactical discipline, defensive contribution, and offensive output made him an attractive target for MLS clubs seeking proven, game-ready talent. Houston Dynamo completed its permanent signing in 2025, betting on its experience and leadership to immediately boost its attacking options.

Felipe Andrade

A product of Fluminense’s academy, Felipe Andrade is a physically strong defender with good passing ability and positional versatility, capable of playing both center back and defensive midfield.

After establishing himself in Fluminense’s first team, he joined the Houston Dynamo on loan in 2025 in search of consistent minutes and international exposure. His adaptation to MLS was swift, highlighted by strong aerial presence, defensive awareness, and tactical discipline. Pleased with his performances, Dynamo exercised the purchase option in his contract, securing him as a long-term piece of their defensive structure.

Antônio Carlos

Antônio Carlos brings extensive experience from both Brazilian and international football. Developed at Palmeiras, he gained prominence with Avaí. He later returned to Palmeiras, before enjoying a successful stint with Orlando City in MLS, where he became known for his leadership and physical presence.

After returning to Brazil with Fluminense, he maintained a high level of competitiveness. In 2025, the Houston Dynamo signed him on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract, viewing him as an immediate defensive leader and a mentor for younger players in a rebuilding squad.

Gustavo Dohmann

A young defensive midfielder formed at Fluminense, Gustavo Dohmann stands out for his intensity, positional intelligence, and clean short passing. Despite his potential, strong competition limited his opportunities in Brazil.

In 2025, he joined the Houston Dynamo on a long-term loan, seeing MLS as an ideal environment for development. The league’s tempo and physical demands provide a platform for Dohmann to gain consistency and mature tactically, while contributing depth and balance to Dynamo’s midfield.

Artur

One of the most established Brazilian midfielders in MLS, Artur was developed at São Paulo before moving early in his career to Columbus Crew, where he became a league reference for consistency and tactical intelligence. In 2022, he was traded to the Houston Dynamo and quickly became a midfield cornerstone. Known for his defensive reliability and game reading, Artur remains one of the squad’s most experienced players and a key stabilizing presence.

Lucas Halter

A 25-year-old center back, Lucas Halter, emerged from Athletico Paranaense and later joined Botafogo for €1.8 million. Part of Botafogo’s squad that won both the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores, Halter later lost his starting role and was loaned to Vitória in early 2025. There, he became a leader during the club’s successful fight against relegation, appearing in 48 matches, scoring five goals, and providing one assist. Despite Vitória’s interest in a permanent deal, Botafogo accepted a reported US$2 million offer from Houston Dynamo, according to journalist Venê Casagrande.

With six Brazilian players spanning defense, midfield, and attack, the Houston Dynamo are clearly positioning themselves as one of the most Brazil-influenced teams in MLS — a strategic move aimed at blending technical quality, physicality, and experience as the club looks to elevate its competitive level in the league.