The Seattle Sounders have acquired striker Dejan Joveljić from Sporting Kansas City in a $6 million cash-for-player trade. Joveljić signed a deal through the 2029-30 season and is expected to start against Chicago at Lumen Field, bringing much-needed attacking help to a squad.
The Seattle Sounders have moved quickly to address their attacking struggles by securing one of Major League Soccer’s most clinical goalscorers. The club announced Tuesday that they have acquired striker Dejan Joveljić from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for $6 million in cash, according to Major League Soccer.
Joveljić arrives in the Pacific Northwest as a Designated Player on a new contract that runs through the 2029-30 season, including an option for 2030-31. The 27-year-old Serbian international participated in his first training session immediately after the deal was finalized and is expected to take the pitch when the Sounders host Chicago on Saturday at Lumen Field, the Seattle Times reported.
Roster Reconstruction and Financial Impact for Sporting Kansas City
For Sporting Kansas City, parting with a proven goalscorer required weighing immediate losses against long-term financial flexibility. President of Soccer Operations and General Manager David Lee explained that the cash-for-player transaction allows the club to convert a substantial portion of the transfer fee into General Allocation Money, Sporting Kansas City announced.
“While it is always very challenging to lose a player of Dejan’s quality, we have to make decisions weighing up potential impact in the short-term alongside the long-term vision for consistent and sustainable success. Completing a cash-for-player trade allows us to convert a substantial amount of the fee into General Allocation Money, which is a critical component to increase our budget to spend across our entire roster.”
David Lee, President of Soccer Operations & General Manager, Sporting Kansas City
Joveljić’s departure marks a move for Sporting Kansas City, mlssoccer.com noted.
An Injection of Elite Quality for a Seattle Attack
The Sounders need immediate firepower. Injuries sidelined key contributors including Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, and Yeimar.
General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel emphasized that Joveljić provides an immediate boost while serving as a foundational piece for the future.
“He is a proven goalscorer in the prime of his career with a track record of producing at a high level and delivering in big moments. Dejan understands what it takes to win in MLS and not only gives us an immediate boost, but provides a vital building block for the future.”
Craig Waibel, General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer, Seattle Sounders FC
A Proven Postseason Resume and a Simple Off-Field Approach
Joveljić brings a championship pedigree to Rave Green. Before joining Major League Soccer as a U-22 initiative signing with the LA Galaxy in 2022, he won back-to-back Serbian SuperLiga titles with Red Star Belgrade and played for Hoffenheim and Wolfsberger AC. 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, Sounders FC outlined.
Since the start of the 2024 season, his 47 goals rank fifth in MLS behind Lionel Messi, Denis Bouanga, Petar Musa, and Sam Surridge.
Introduced to local media at RENTON, the striker cuts an unassuming figure despite his prolific scoring record. When asked about his routine outside of soccer, he kept his answer straightforward, Sounder At Heart reported.
“Simple life: family, chess, thinking about soccer and waiting for the weekend for the games.”
Dejan Joveljić, Forward, Seattle Sounders FC
Joveljić recalled that meetings with Schmetzer and Waibel convinced him almost immediately. I’m giving you my word that I’m going to come to Seattle,
he told club leadership within minutes of their discussion, according to team coverage.
