Seattle Sounders FC have acquired striker Dejan Joveljić from Sporting Kansas City in a cash-for-player trade worth $6 million. The 27-year-old Serbian international has signed a new deal through the 2029-30 season with an option for 2030-31, immediately filling a Designated Player roster spot for Seattle.
Seattle’s attack has received a major reinforcement. The Sounders introduced their newest Designated Player to the local media in Renton, addressing an offense that has struggled with injuries and scored just 22 goals so far in the 2026 season, according to MLSsoccer.com. Joveljić arrives with an established pedigree as one of the most clinical finishers in Major League Soccer.
Sporting Kansas City secures $6 million and roster flexibility
For Sporting Kansas City, parting ways with a top-tier goalscorer required balancing short-term impact against long-term squad building. President of Soccer Operations and General Manager David Lee explained the reasoning behind the transaction.
スポルティング・カンザスシティのサッカー部門プレジデント兼ゼネラルマネージャーであるDavid Leeは、デジャンのようなクオリティの高い選手を手放すことは常に非常に難しいことであるが、短期的な影響と、一貫した持続可能な成功に向けた長期的なビジョンを比較衡量して決断を下さなければならないと説明した。
Sporting Kansas City traded the forward in exchange for $6 million in cash. Lee noted that converting a substantial amount of the fee into General Allocation Money increases the club’s budget flexibility across the entire roster.
David Leeは、選手との金銭トレードを完了させることで、移籍金の大部分を一般配分金（GAM）に換えることができ、これがロスター全体への支出予算を増やす上で極めて重要な要素になると述べた。
Joveljić originally joined Sporting KC on Feb. 1, 2025, in a $4 million cash trade following an MLS Cup victory with the LA Galaxy in 2024. During his time in Kansas City, he recorded 26 goals and five assists across 55 matches. His departure marks Sporting’s second outgoing Designated Player move within a week, following the mutual termination of midfielder Manu García’s contract, which sandwiches the club-record acquisition of Brazilian winger André Luiz from Olympiacos for a reported $18 million plus add-ons, as reported by MLSsoccer.com.
Dejan Joveljić brings a championship pedigree to Rave Green
Sounders General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel emphasized the immediate boost and foundational value the new signing brings to the franchise. Craig Waibel noted that the club was thrilled to add a player of his caliber.
シアトル・サウンドラースFCのゼネラルマネージャー兼チーフ・サッカー・オフィサーであるCraig Waibelは、デジャンのような実力を持つ選手をチームに迎えられたことに非常に興奮しているとし、彼はキャリアの全盛期にある実績のある得点力を持った選手であり、高いレベルで結果を残し大一番で仕事を成し遂げてきた経歴があると述べた。さらに、デジャンはMLSで勝利するために何が必要かを理解しており、チームに即座の勢いを与えてくれるだけでなく、将来に向けた極めて重要な土台にもなると語った。
Before arriving in Major League Soccer, Joveljić won back-to-back Serbian SuperLiga titles with Red Star Belgrade, played for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, and scored 19 goals on loan with Wolfsberger AC during the 2020-21 season. In 2024, he led the LA Galaxy with 21 goals—including six in the postseason—and scored game-winners in both the Western Conference Final and the MLS Cup Final, according to Seattle Sounders FC.
Tactical fit and immediate outlook for Seattle Sounders FC
Joveljić joins a Sounders team looking to rebound from offensive struggles caused by injuries. Seattle Sounders FC reported that the forward provides tactical flexibility, capable of operating as a lone No. 9 or in a two-striker setup.
Head Coach Brian Schmetzer could slot Joveljić directly into his preferred 4-2-3-1 setup as early as this weekend. As key contributors such as Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Paul Arriola, Hassani Dotson, and Yeimar recover from injuries, the team gains the versatility to shift into alternative formations like a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2.
During his introductory press conference in Renton, Joveljić described his approach to the game and his quick decision to join Seattle, noting that his conversations with club leadership immediately sealed his commitment, as detailed by Sounderatheart.
デジャン・ヨヴェリッチは、シアトルと言えば勝利を意味し、このクラブは戦う覚悟があり素晴らしいメンタリティでチームに馴染む準備ができた選手を求めていると述べ、自分自身もその一人だと思うと語った。また、チームは現在少し苦戦しているものの、全選手が健康な状態に戻ればこのチームは間違いなく脅威になると付け加えた。
To clear the roster space necessary for the transfer, Albert Rusnák restructured his current agreement with Seattle, moving out of the Designated Player slot he previously occupied ahead of the Secondary Transfer Window deadline.