The Seattle Sounders have bolstered their offensive lineup in preparation for a demanding season by acquiring forward Jesús Ferreira, a member of the U.S. national team, via a trade with FC Dallas.
Ferreira, who began his career with Dallas as a homegrown player in 2016, has participated in 163 regular-season games for the MLS side, netting 53 goals and providing 34 assists. At just 24 years old, he has already made a mark on the international stage with the United States, scoring 15 goals in 23 matches and participating in the recent 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
To secure Ferreira’s services, the Sounders offered Dallas winger Leo Chu along with a substantial sum of $1 million in general allocation money. If Ferreira meets specific performance metrics, an additional $1.3 million will be allocated over the upcoming two seasons.
Ferreira has committed to a three-year contract with the Sounders, complete with options extending into 2028 and 2029. Notably, he will not occupy a designated player slot on the team’s roster.
Reflecting on his transition, Ferreira mentioned, “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.” He shared these thoughts during a conference call with journalists.
In addition to the player trade, Dallas received an international roster spot for the current season, along with a percentage of any future transfer fee if Ferreira moves to another team, a situation that has been widely speculated.
By acquiring Ferreira, the Sounders significantly strengthen their attacking options as they gear up for the FIFA Club World Cup, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and 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,” Ferreira added. “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.”
Ferreira joined the national team training camp in Florida, where he is preparing for upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica.
Sounders general manager Craig Waibel emphasized that the club entered the offseason with a priority on acquiring goal scorers. He recognized Ferreira’s youth and versatility as key assets. “We know a lot about Jesús. We know a lot about his character. You’ve seen he’s very humble. But at the same time, he’s full of fire. And one of the things that I did touch on as well, was we needed a player that still had something to prove. We needed a player that, frankly, makes us a little less kind and nice,” he remarked.
Waibel also confirmed that the Sounders activated a clause in Jordan Morris’ contract, elevating him to a designated player status, joining the ranks of Albert Rusnak and Pedro de la Vega. He hinted at the possibility of acquiring winger Paul Arriola in the near future.
The Sounders had a solid finish in the previous season, securing fourth place in the Western Conference and making it to the conference finals before their defeat at the hands of the LA Galaxy.
Ferreira, who joined the FC Dallas academy at the tender age of 8, made an impressive MLS debut at 16 in 2017, becoming the second-youngest player ever to score in the league. Last season, he managed five goals and six assists despite battling injuries, and he made history as the youngest player in MLS to reach 50 career goals.
“From his time in our academy to becoming one of the top players in MLS, Jesús has made a tremendous impact on our organization. His dedication and goal-scoring prowess will always be an important part of our history,” stated FC Dallas President Dan Hunt.
Leo Chu, the player traded to Dallas, spent three seasons with the Sounders and participated in 94 matches across all competitions.
