Sounders FC acquire forward Jesús Ferreira in Blockbuster Trade with FC Dallas

RENTON, WASH. – Sounders FC announced today that they have acquired forward Jesús Ferreira from FC Dallas in exchange for midfielder Léo Chú, $1,000,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $500,000 of 2026 GAM and up to $800,000 in additional GAM if certain performance metrics is fulfilled, as well as a 2025 International Roster Slot. One of the best forwards in MLS, the 24-year-old comes to Seattle after eight professional seasons with FC Dallas, where he was a two-time MLS All-Star and 2022 MLS Best XI selection. Since signing with Dallas as a homegrown player in 2016, Ferreira has scored 53 goals and 34 assists in a career 163 regular season games, in addition to scoring 15 goals in 23 career caps with the US Men’s National Team. As part of the deal, Ferreira has agreed to a new three-year contract with Seattle, with club options in 2028 and 2029, and will not occupy a designated player spot. FC Dallas also retains a percentage of a future transfer fee if Ferreira is moved outside of MLS or within the league.

“We are very pleased to reach an agreement to bring Jesús to Seattle. He is a player who not only brings a lot of talent with him, but also complements the strengths of our existing roster,” said Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel “Jesús’ versatility allows him to operate in multiple attacking roles, which gives our coaches more tactical options in different game situations. His creativity and movement will improve our ability to break down defenses, and we are confident.” that he will be a valuable contributor to the team’s success going forward.”

“I would also like to thank Léo Chú for his contribution during his time at the club,” continued Waibel. “Léo has brought energy and passion to our team over the past four seasons, and we wish him the best of luck in his next career step in Dallas.”

Ferreira, 24, joins Seattle after eight seasons with FC Dallas, signing with the first team as a 15-year-old in 2016 after several seasons with the club’s academy. The versatile forward appeared in 181 games (151 starts) across all competitions during his time with Dallas, racking up 55 goals and 40 assists. After scoring in his professional debut in 2017, Ferreira played in one game in 2018 before appearing in 36 games (32 starts) for Dallas across all competitions in 2019, recording eight goals and seven assists. After signing a new contract as a young designated player ahead of the 2022 season, Ferreira went on to have a breakout campaign with 18 goals and six assists in MLS action, earning the 2022 MLS Young Player of the Year, MLS Best XI and MLS All-Star honors. He earned another All-Star nod in 2023, recording 14 goals and nine assists in 34 appearances in all competitions, then appeared in 24 games last season in all competitions, scoring five goals and eight assists despite that he struggled with injuries throughout the campaign.

“I am very pleased to welcome Jesús to Seattle. He is a player with great technical ability and an eye for goal, which will make him a real asset in our attacking setup,” said Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer. “What excites me the most is his movement in the attacking half of the pitch and his finishing ability inside the 18-yard box. I look forward to integrating him into our group and seeing how his qualities blend with the talented players, we already have. I’m confident he’ll make a big impact for us going forward.”

Ferreira has established himself as a key member of the US Men’s National Team, scoring 15 goals in 23 career games since making his international debut in 2020. Along with new Sounders FC teammates Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan, Ferreira was a member of the USMNT roster at . The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar squad to start in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands. He also helped the United States win the 2022–2023 Concacaf Nations League, appearing in two matches and scoring four goals in a 5–0 win over Grenada (June 11, 2022). Ferreira scored seven goals in five appearances at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, including hat-tricks against both St. Kitts and Nevis (June 29, 2023) and Trinidad and Tobago (July 3, 2023).

Born in Colombia, Ferreira first joined the FC Dallas Academy at the age of eight when his father, former MLS MVP David Ferreira, signed with FC Dallas in 2009. Ferreira was part of the FC Dallas U-16 Academy team that won 2015 -2016 US Soccer Development Academy Championship and 2017 Dallas Cup Super Group.

Chú heads to Dallas as part of the trade after four seasons with Sounders FC, where he appeared in 94 games across all competitions. The Brazilian recorded seven career goals and 14 assists in MLS regular-season play, including five goals and eight assists in 2023. The 24-year-old joined Seattle from Brazilian Grêmio in August 2021. Seattle retains a percentage of a future transfer fee if Chú is moved outside of MLS or within the league.

Sounders FC begins its 2025 campaign on the road in Concacaf Champions League action at Guatemalan side Antigua GFC on Wednesday, February 19 (5 p.m. PT) before opening the MLS season against Charlotte FC on Saturday, February 22 at the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV).

TRANSACTION: Sounders FC acquire forward Jesús Ferreira from FC Dallas in exchange for midfielder Léo Chú, $1,000,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $500,000 of 2026 GAM and up to $800,000 in additional GAM if certain performance metrics are met, as well as 2025 International Roster Castle. Ferreira has been signed on a three-year contract with club options in 2028 and 2029 on 8 January 2025.

Born: December 24, 2000 in Santa Marta, Colombia

Hometown: McKinney, Texas

Acquired: Acquired via trade from FC Dallas in exchange for Léo Chú, $1,000,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $500,000 of 2026 GAM and up to $800,000 in additional GAM if certain performance metrics are met, as well as a 2025 International Roster Slot. Signed a three-year contract with club options in 2028 and 2029 on 8 January 2025.

Former clubs: FC Dallas (2016-2024)