The Seattle Sounders made a significant move on Wednesday by acquiring highly regarded FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira in a trade. In exchange for Ferreira, Dallas received winger Leo Chu, up to $2.3 million in general allocation money, and a 2025 international roster slot.
Ferreira, 24, established himself as a key player during his time with Dallas, recording 53 goals and 34 assists in 163 matches from 2017 to 2024. His standout performance in 2022, where he tied the franchise’s single-season goal record with 18 goals, earned him accolades such as MLS Young Player of the Year and a spot in the MLS Best XI. Additionally, Ferreira was named an MLS All-Star in both 2022 and 2023.
FC Dallas’s president, Dan Hunt, expressed gratitude towards Ferreira for his contributions to the club, acknowledging his journey from the academy to becoming a top player in MLS. Hunt highlighted Ferreira’s dedication and goal-scoring abilities as integral parts of the team’s history, noting his impact on and off the field.
Ferreira made his MLS debut in June 2017 at a remarkable age of 16 years and 161 days, becoming the youngest player in FC Dallas history to score a goal. His talent was further recognized on the international stage, as he scored 15 goals in 23 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including back-to-back hat tricks in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
In return for Ferreira, Dallas acquired Leo Chu, a 24-year-old winger who tallied seven goals and 14 assists in 79 matches with the Sounders from 2021 to 2024. Chu, a Brazil international, played a significant role in Seattle’s victory in the 2022 Concacaf Champions League, helping the team secure its first title in the competition.
Seattle’s general manager, Craig Waibel, expressed enthusiasm about adding Ferreira to the Sounders’ roster, praising his talent and versatility. Waibel emphasized Ferreira’s ability to play in various attacking positions, providing the team with tactical options and enhancing their offensive capabilities. He expressed confidence in Ferreira’s potential to contribute to the team’s success in the future.
Waibel also expressed appreciation for Leo Chu’s contributions to the Sounders during his time with the club, acknowledging his energy and passion on the field. He wished Chu well in his future endeavors with FC Dallas.
Overall, the trade involving Jesus Ferreira and Leo Chu signifies a significant development for both the Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas, as each team looks to strengthen its roster and pursue success in the upcoming seasons.
