Seattle Sounders FC has acquired United States forward Jesús Ferreira in a trade with FC Dallas.
Ferreira, a homegrown player signed by Dallas in 2016, played in 163 regular-season MLS games with the team, scoring 53 goals with 34 assists. The 24-year-old has 15 goals in 23 appearances for the United States, and was on the squad that played in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Sounders sent Dallas winger Léo Chú and $1 million in general allocation money, with an additional $1.3 million in general allocation money over the next two seasons if performance metrics are met.
Ferreira signed a three-year deal with the Sounders that includes options in 2028 and 2029. He will not occupy a designated player spot on the roster.
"I think it was time to close that chapter with Dallas. I've experienced a lot of highs, a lot of lows. And it was time, I think, for me, for the club, it was just the right moment. When Seattle came, it was kind of easy." Ferreira said in a conference call with reporters.
Ferreira strengthens the Sounders' attack as the team prepares for both the FIFA Club World Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup, as well as the MLS regular season.
"I'd be lying here if that [the Club World Cup] wasn't one of the reasons why I chose Seattle," he said. "Obviously, when you're in a competition that big and you're playing against those teams, it's always an opportunity to show yourself and show what the team can do, and that we're able to compete at that high level of the stage."
Dallas also receives an international roster spot for this season, and a percentage of the future transfer fee if Ferreira goes to a new team.
"Jesus' versatility allows him to operate in multiple attacking roles, giving our coaches more tactical options in different game situations," Sounders general manager Craig Waibel said in a prepared statement. "His creativity and movement will enhance our ability to break down defenses, and we're confident he'll be a valuable contributor to the team's success moving forward."
Ferreira, who joined Dallas' academy when he was 8, scored in his MLS debut at 16 in 2017, becoming the second-youngest player to score in league history.
He had five goals and six assists last season, and in May he became the youngest player in MLS history to reach 50 career goals.
"From his time in our academy to becoming one of the top players in MLS, Jesus has made a tremendous impact on our organization. His dedication and goal-scoring prowess will always be an important part of our history," FC Dallas President Dan Hunt said in a statement.
Chu spent three seasons in Seattle, playing in 94 games across all competitions.