Houston Dynamo acquire center back Tim Parker in trade with New York Red Bulls

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade

Houston Dynamo FC have acquired center back Tim Parker from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for $450,000 General Allocation Money, the clubs announced Tuesday. The Red Bulls could receive a further $600,000 in performance-based incentives. 

Parker, who turns 28 next month, spent the last three years as a regular starter with the Red Bulls. He made 79 MLS appearances with the club, winning the 2018 Supporters' Shield led by their stout defense. 

“Adding Tim Parker addresses our top priority this offseason of strengthening the center of our defense while getting younger, more athletic and bringing a top quality leader into our group,” Dynamo senior VP & GM Matt Jordan said in a club statement. “Tim brings a winning mentality on the field and into the locker room every day, and has the characteristics that fit well into our system and style of play.”

Parker broke into MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2015, where he was a regular over his three seasons. All in all, he has 155 MLS appearances across six seasons. He has also made two appearances with the US national team.

The center back joins just after the club traded Kiki Struna to CF Montreal. 

“Tim is a winner, a leader and a fundamental piece for our club as we build for the upcoming season and our future, both on-and-off the field,” Dynamo head coach Tab Ramos.

As for the Red Bulls, Parker departs a few hours after the club announced the acquisition of former Inter Miami center back Andres Reyes. The Colombian youth international steps in alongside Aaron Long, Amro Tarek and Sean Nealis as options in central defense. 

“Tim has been a true professional, and everyone at the club would like to thank Tim for his role in our success over the past three seasons,” said Red Bulls head of sport Kevin Thelwell. “We wish Tim all the best in Houston this season.”