Sounders FC has officially announced the acquisition of forward Dejan Joveljić from Sporting Kansas City. The Serbian international joins the Seattle club as a Designated Player in a cash-for-player trade valued at $6 million. Joveljić, who has a notable career tally of 107 goals across all competitions, brings a wealth of experience and success, including three league championships and participation in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

Proven Scoring Ability

Over the course of his 11 professional seasons, Joveljić has demonstrated his scoring prowess, particularly during his six seasons in Major League Soccer. He has netted 71 goals and provided 23 assists while playing for Sporting Kansas City and the LA Galaxy. Notably, during the 2024-2025 season, he ranked third in the league with 39 goals in both regular-season and postseason play, trailing only Lionel Messi and Denis Bouanga. The 27-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Sounders FC, which will run through June 2030, with an option for an additional year.

Strategic Addition to the Squad

Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel expressed enthusiasm about Joveljić's addition, highlighting his proven track record and ability to perform in crucial moments. Waibel stated, "He is a proven goal scorer in the prime of his career with a track record of producing at a high level and delivering in big moments." Head Coach Brian Schmetzer also praised Joveljić, noting his versatility and danger in the attacking third, which will enhance the team's offensive capabilities.

Joveljić, who holds a U.S. Green Card, will not occupy an international roster slot, making him a valuable asset for the club. To accommodate his arrival, midfielder Albert Rusnák has restructured his agreement with Sounders FC. With Joveljić's impressive resume and scoring ability, the team looks forward to integrating him into their lineup and building towards future successes.