STWF Sports|FRISCO, Texas|Nov. 20, 2025 — FC Dallas officially unveiled its year-end roster moves on Thursday, setting the club’s foundation for the 2026 MLS campaign. After a year marked by major injuries, emerging young talent, and tactical evolution, the front office made decisive moves to shape a 27-man group already under contract for next season.

The club confirmed it has exercised three contract options while declining nine, signaling a blend of continuity and reshaping as Dallas prepares for what it hopes will be a breakthrough year under head coach Nico Estévez.

Three Options Exercised: Ibeagha, Norris, Julio Return

FC Dallas renewed options for defenders Sebastien Ibeagha and Nolan Norris, along with winger Anderson Julio.

• Ibeagha, the 33-year-old veteran, continues to bring leadership, physical presence, and experience to a back line already rich in athleticism.

• Norris, a promising homegrown defender, made steady strides throughout the 2025 campaign and remains part of the club’s long-term plans.

• Julio, known for his pace and pressing ability, offers valuable attacking depth and remains a trusted option on the right flank.

Their returns ensure stability for a roster that leans heavily on a mix of youth development and veteran presence.

Nine Options Declined; Lletget, Jackson Head to Free Agency

Dallas declined options on nine players, including several familiar names:
Herbert Endeley, Sebastian Lletget, Pedrinho, Diego Pepi, Tomas Pondeca, Carl Sainté, Anthony Ramirez, Tarik Scott, and Alejandro Urzua.

Among the notable moves:

• Sebastian Lletget, the experienced midfielder, will enter MLS free agency.

• Goalkeeper Jacob Jackson also hits free agency beginning Dec. 10, eligible due to meeting the league’s age and service-year criteria.

• Pedrinho opted out of the MLS Re-Entry Draft, allowing FC Dallas to retain his Right of First Refusal, preserving future control of his MLS rights.

Meanwhile, Pondeca and Sainté are eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Draft, which begins Dec. 11. Both players meet the age and service-year minimums but are not yet eligible for free agency.

Four Players Eligible for End-of-Year Waivers

Anthony Ramirez, Tarik Scott, Diego Pepi, and Alejandro Urzua head into the 2025 MLS End-of-Year Waivers, opening Dec. 9. This mechanism covers players whose options were declined but who do not qualify for free agency or the re-entry process.

The waivers will close at 4 p.m. CT on Dec. 11, potentially allowing teams across the league to claim young talent released by Dallas.

Core of 27 Players Under Contract for 2026

Despite the outgoing players, FC Dallas maintains a robust roster across all positions:

Goalkeepers (2):
Maarten Paes, Michael Collodi

Defenders (11):
Lalas Abubakar, Álvaro, Sebastien Ibeagha, Geovane Jesus, Bernard Kamungo, Malachi Molina, Shaq Moore, Enzo Newman, Nolan Norris, Joshua Torquato, Osaze Urhoghide

Midfielders (7):
Christian Cappis, Patrickson Delgado, Diego Garcia, Kaick, Tsiki Ntsabeleng (loan through June 2026), Paxton Pomykal, Ramiro

Forwards (7):
Daniel Baran, Logan Farrington, Deedson, Anderson Julio, Petar Musa, Enes Sali, Sam Sarver

The returning core blends high-upside prospects — like Enes Sali, Logan Farrington, and Daniel Baran — with established MLS contributors such as Pomykal, Moore, Paes, and Musa. The roster also includes Tsiki Ntsabeleng, who remains on loan at Mamelodi Sundowns until mid-2026.

Key MLS Offseason Dates

With roster movement underway, the club now turns to a busy MLS offseason filled with opportunities to add talent:

• Dec. 10–13: MLS College Showcase

• Dec. 10 (12 p.m. CT): Free agency opens

• Dec. 11 (12 p.m. CT): MLS Re-Entry Draft, Stage 1

• Dec. 11 (4 p.m. CT): End-of-Year Waivers close

• Dec. 17 (4 p.m. CT): Re-Entry Draft, Stage 2

• Dec. 18: 2026 MLS SuperDraft

FC Dallas retains significant roster flexibility heading into 2026, with a clear commitment to internal development, strategic veteran retention, and targeted reinforcements via the offseason mechanisms.

As the winter window approaches, the club’s decisions reflect a plan to stabilize the roster and build momentum toward a competitive push next season.