Hector Herrera drives the ball during the match between Mexico and Costa Rica as part of the Concacaf 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Azteca Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Hector Herrera drives the ball during the match between Mexico and Costa Rica as part of the Concacaf 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Azteca Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Houston Dynamo

Long-time El Tri star Hector Herrera signs with Houston Dynamo

by Angelo Zarra

Hector Herrera is out of contract this summer and will leave Atletico Madrid for the MLS. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Houston Dynamo make huge splash with Hector Herrera signing

The Houston Dynamo opened up their wallets and landed arguably their most important player in franchise history with the arrival of Mexico international midfielder Hector Herrera. The club announced the signing Wednesday.

Herrera has a solid resume at club level and in international duty, even captaining El Tri on a few occasions. The 31-year-old will play out his contract with Atletico Madrid and will move to the MLS this summer.

Herrera started his career with Liga MX side Pachuca in 2012-13. He made 27 total appearances with the Tuzos in domestic and in club international play, he scored two goals in the 2012-13 campaign.

In June 2013, Herrera made his move overseas to Portuguese club FC Porto for a reported €8 million. Over six seasons with FC Porto – the final three as team captain – he amassed 245 appearances along with 35 goals. He hoisted three trophies in his time at Porto, winning the Primeira Liga in 2017-18 and two Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (the Portuguese Super Cup).

In the summer of 2019, Herrera joined Spain’s Atletico Madrid. He managed just one goal in 71 total appearances with Atletico. Last season in La Liga, Herrera added another trophy to his personal collection as he was part of the 2020-21 Atletico Madrid side that won the league.

Herrera has 96 caps with Mexico and continues to be an important player for El Tri.

HH also has honors few can match. He’s an Olympic gold medalist, helping Mexico win at the 2012 Summer Games in London. The Mexican international has also played for El Tri in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup. In 2015, he won twin continental titles: the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the CONCACAF Cup against Team USA.

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Not only is this signing huge for the Houston Dynamo on the pitch, off the pitch the move should pay off too. Houston is a very diverse city and home to a very large Hispanic community. This move could be the buzz the club is looking for after last season’s last place finish in MLS and dwindling attendance over the last few seasons at PNC Stadium.