HOUSTON (April 26, 2024) – Houston Dynamo FC signed defensive midfielder Jefferson Valverde on a full transfer from LDU Quito in Ecuador, both clubs announced today.
The 24-year-old is signed to a contract through 2025 with club options in 2026 and 2027. Valverde will occupy an international roster spot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
“Jefferson is a dynamic defensive midfielder with experience on one of the best teams in South America last season. He will add valuable depth to our roster and has the potential to develop into a consistent contributor in MLS,” General Manager Pat Onstad said. “We look forward to welcoming Jefferson into our club as we approach a congested schedule with multiple competitions throughout the summer, including U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup, in addition to the regular season.”
Valverde made his topflight debut with El Nacional in Ecuador’s LigaPro Serie A, joining the club in January 2023 and making 15 appearances. In July of that year, the midfielder transferred across town to LDU Quito where he helped the club to its 12th league title and first since 2018. Quito also lifted its second CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana title last year.
Valverde joins a Dynamo team that currently sits sixth in the Western Conference with 13 points and a 4-3-1 (WLD) record. Houston is looking to build on last year’s success under head coach Ben Olsen after lifting the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and making a run to the Western Conference Final in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
