North Texas Soccer Club announced today the signing of FC Dallas Academy product Imanol Almaguer to a three-year contract. Almaguer has primarily has been an outside back (naturally a right back but can play left) during his career but recently began a development breakthrough playing as a 6 or 8 type central midfielder for the FC Dallas U19s and North Texas (as an amateur).

"Honestly, I'm humbled at this opportunity," Almaguer said. "Playing for the FC Dallas Academy throughout all these years has really turned out well for me and the club. I'm just excited and ready for this opportunity."

Almaguer joined the FC Dallas organization in 2010 and played in its Development Academy for six seasons.

9-year-old Imanol Almageur playing for FC Dallas in 2010. (Dante H Ibanez)

The now 18-year-old Almaguer debuted for North Texas SC in its inaugural game on March 30, 2019. The Frisco native has 13 appearances and 11 starts in USL League One, accumulating 1,068 minutes so far. Almaguer had previously committed to play college soccer at Northern Illinois.

Here's an "all-touches" video of Almaguer from a North Texas SC game on June 25th against FC Tucson created by newest 3rd Degree contributor Austin Banks (@MisterKranks).

And a bonus video of Almaguer in the midfield, where I like him better.

Almaguer is the 36th Academy product signed to a professional contract with the FC Dallas organization.

3rd Degree's take: I vastly underestimated Almaguer upon first watching him play for the U19s. His progress over the laster half of this year, his second at the U19 level, is nothing short of remarkable. Starting with his first appearance in the midfield it has been stunning how quickly Almaguer has improved. This is a terrific signing for North Texas SC and he will be a quality asset to the organization.

Imanol Almaguer signs with North Texas SC. Pictured left to right: Jimmy Smith (FC Dallas COO), Marco Ferruzzi (FCD Director of Soccer Operations), Dan Hunt (FCD Owner and President), Imanol Almaguer, Andre Zanotta (FCD Technical Director), Eric Quill (North Texas SC Head Coach), and Matt Denny (North Texas SC General Manager). (8/7/19) (North Texas SC.)

Beyond blessed to announce I’ve officially signed my first professional contract with @northtexasSC. Special thanks to God, My Family, Coaching Staff, Teammates, and everyone who’s been a part of this process. https://t.co/s3qDmYQRoy — Jorge Imanol Almaguer (@ImanolAlmaguer) August 7, 2019

Transaction: North Texas SC signs midfielder Imanol Almaguer to a three-year contract on August 7, 2019

Name: Jorge Imanol Almaguer

: EE-mah-noll Al-mah-gair

: Midfielder

: 5'8"

: 136 lbs.

: Sept. 21, 2000

18

: Frisco, Texas

: United States

: FC Dallas Academy

3rd Degree is an independent, North Texas soccer blog with a focus on FC Dallas. (Buzz Carrick / 3rd Degree)

: Signed on August 7, 2019.