TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Reports
After scoring 42 goals over the past three seasons for the Houston Dynamo, Mauro Manotas is looking for a change and a switch to a European league, expressing hopes that he could leave as soon as the upcoming January transfer window.
The Colombian striker shared those thoughts with several media outlets in his homeland this month, while also underlining his optimism about the Dynamo’s new look for 2020 with the arrival of new head coach Tab Ramos and recent acquisition of his countryman Darwin Quintero via a trade with Minnesota United.
“It was a positive year, my objectives were met, and I hope that next year will be much better,” Manotas told El Ambito, pronouncing himself “100% adapted to football in the United States” and targeting a run at the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi next season, while also revealing that his dreams of Europe are as strong as ever.
“I want to go to Europe,” added the 24-year-old, who has bagged 48 goals and 15 assists in 129 career regular-season MLS appearances (92 starts) since joining Houston in 2015. “The [Dynamo] managers and the president know it and I hope it will be soon. I have spoken with my agent, things have not happened.”
Manotas was widely reported to be the subject of transfer bids in the high seven figures over the past year, with Liga MX giants Cruz Azul linked to an $8.5 million offer and an unnamed European club apparently having tabled a comparable proposal. Colombia manager Carlos Quieroz recently stated that he’s also moving onto the radar of his national team, which kicks off South American 2022 World Cup qualifying in March.
