“This Has All Taken a Toll” – Maria Sanchez Finally Breaks Silence on Seeking Trade From Houston Dash Despite Record NWSL Deal

Things seem to have gone south for Maria Sanchez at Houston Dash. Within just four months after signing a record deal in December 2023, reports surfaced that the star forward has requested to leave the Texas-based club. While many weren’t agreeing to believe it, Sanchez herself stepped up to clear the air, acknowledging that she had ‘requested an immediate trade.’

The Mexican international broke her silence on X. Notably, the lengthy message said, “This has all taken a toll and isn’t an easy thing to talk about, but I want to confirm that I’ve requested an immediate trade. The club has been aware of this since late March and my expectations and reasons have been clear. I trust that my current club’s management will honor my decision in a timely manner and proceed with accepting a trade. I’m eager to refocus and dive back into what I love most: playing football.”

Additionally, the message was posted alongside a caption saying, “Thank you, everyone, for the outpouring of kindness and support.” Clearly, the 28-year-old isn’t happy with her brief time spent with the NWSL side so far. Even after seemingly committing to the Dash for the next three seasons, with an option to extend to a fourth year, the forward has openly expressed her desire to leave. Meanwhile, Houston Dash had a different response to her trade rumors.

Earlier, in reply to inquiries, a spokesperson for the club told ESPN: “Maria Sanchez is under contract, a choice she made in free agency at the end of 2023.” The picture, however, is different now, with the Mexico star eyeing a trade to another club before the transfer window closes on Friday. That said, what are her options left on the table?

What’s next for Maria Sanchez? 

It was quite bold and appreciative of Maria Sanchez to herself open up about her desire to leave Houston Dash. Playing four games and notching nil goals and 1 assist so far, the forward shall think about the next possible destinations. Even though, all major NWSL clubs would happily acquire Sanchez, the rosters of most teams are currently full and even face their own constraints. 

Despite the salary cap increasing again this season, there is uncertainty about whether any team can sustain a contract of Sanchez’s magnitude. Regardless of the circumstances, the unfortunate reality is that as time passes, the likelihood of a deal diminishes, and the possibility of an unhappy franchise player becomes more plausible until both parties can revisit a potential agreement in the summer.