Mexico international María Sánchez has been traded to the San Diego Wave from the Houston Dash, as confirmed by a source. The transfer fee involved in the deal is expected to benefit Houston, according to reports from Pro Soccer Wire.
Sánchez, a winger, made the move to San Diego following her request for a trade just four months after signing a significant contract with the Dash. Her initial deal with Houston was valued at $1.5 million over three years, with an option for a fourth year, making it the largest contract in NWSL history at the time.
As a restricted free agent during the offseason, Houston had the right to match any offers from other NWSL teams to retain Sánchez's rights. However, the player's desire for a change led to her eventual transfer to San Diego, where her existing league contract will remain in effect.
In a statement on social media, Sánchez expressed the emotional toll of the situation, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision to seek an immediate trade. The NWSL trade window is set to close at midnight ET on Friday, adding a sense of urgency to the transaction.
Sánchez played a crucial role for Mexico in the Concacaf W Gold Cup, helping her national team reach the semifinals of the tournament held in March. Meanwhile, Houston has started the 2024 NWSL season with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses, while San Diego has begun with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
