Houston Dynamo FC has signed Corey Baird of Los Angeles Football Club in exchange for $ 750,000 in Allocation Money and an international spot for 2022. LAFC will receive the money in two parts and distribute $ 68,675 in 2021 and $ 681,325 in 2022.
Baird scored three goals and two assists in 14 games with the California-based team after a trade with Real Salt Lake in January.
“We are pleased to welcome Corey to the Houston Dynamo,” Dynamo senior vice president and general manager Matt Jordan said in a statement.
“He can play a variety of positions in the attacking third while adding important league and national team experience to our group. When you look at his age, character and skill, he is the type of player and person we want to be a part of our club going forward. ”
A taste of what’s to come? @ Bairdy_23 | #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/sU7ck2LONV
– Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) July 30, 2021
The 25-year-old forward spent three seasons with Real Salt Lake before joining LAFC and signing a home-grown contract ahead of the 2018 season. He was named Rookie of the Year after spectacular efforts during his inaugural campaign. Baird scored 15 goals and 13 assists in 81 games over three seasons.
Corey is a versatile attacking player with a relentless work speed. He fits perfectly into the team we continue to build, says Dynamo’s head coach Tab Ramos. “He will be a key piece as we continue to fight for a playoff spot along the way.”
Internationally, the forward has on four occasions presented the US men’s national team after debuting during a friendly match against Panama in January 2019.
“We appreciate all of Corey’s efforts and contributions during his time here at LAFC,” said LAFC Chairman and General Manager John Thorrington in a statement. “We wish him all the best in Houston.”
