Serbian striker Dejan Joveljic is reportedly on the verge of a landmark $4 million transfer from LA Galaxy to Sporting Kansas City, potentially becoming Major League Soccer’s first transfer under the newly implemented Cash for Player rule. The move comes after Joveljic’s stellar performance in the Galaxy’s 2024 MLS Cup triumph, with Mexican giants Tigres also showing interest in the prolific forward.
The transfer saga has gained momentum following Joveljic’s remarkable 2024 campaign, during which he netted 21 goals and provided seven assists across 33 appearances. His playoff performance proved particularly impressive, with six goals and two assists in five games, including a crucial strike in the MLS Cup final victory over the New York Red Bulls.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Sporting Kansas City has emerged as the frontrunner for Joveljic’s signature, despite recent interest from Liga MX side Tigres. The deal’s structure marks a significant milestone in MLS history as it could pioneer the league’s new Cash for Player regulation, representing a direct financial transaction between clubs.
The timing of Joveljic’s potential departure aligns with several strategic factors affecting the LA Galaxy. The Serbian international, who joined the club under the U-22 initiative, will age out of this category in 2025, which would have resulted in a higher salary cap hit for the Galaxy. Furthermore, the club’s lack of available Designated Player slots has complicated their ability to match the financial terms offered by both SKC and Tigres.
This transfer would continue the Galaxy’s active offseason roster reconstruction, following the departures of U.S. international Jalen Neal to CF Montreal, midfielder Mark Delgado to city rivals LAFC, and attacker Gaston Brugman to Nashville SC. The systematic dismantling of their MLS Cup-winning squad suggests a broader strategic overhaul at the Carson-based club.
Joveljic’s journey to MLS stardom began at Red Star Belgrade, where he emerged as a promising teenager before experiencing European football with Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsberger AC, and Anderlecht. His adaptation to MLS has been remarkable, culminating in last season’s championship-winning campaign.
The striker’s imminent arrival at Children’s Mercy Park could significantly boost Sporting Kansas City’s attacking capabilities. The timing of the transfer becomes particularly intriguing as SKC prepares for their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign, with a high-profile clash against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami scheduled for February 18 in the first leg of their continental competition series.
The 2025 MLS season’s approaching kickoff on February 22 adds urgency to finalizing the deal, as both clubs seek to solidify their rosters for the upcoming campaign. For Sporting Kansas City, securing a proven MLS goalscorer of Joveljic’s caliber could prove transformative in their pursuit of domestic and continental success.
While specific details regarding Joveljic’s potential Designated Player status in Kansas City remain undisclosed, the substantial transfer fee suggests he will likely occupy a significant position within the club’s salary structure. The move represents not only a major acquisition for Sporting KC but also signals the evolving landscape of intra-league transfers in MLS, as clubs increasingly demonstrate willingness to invest substantial resources in proven league performers.
This potential transfer highlights the growing financial muscle and ambition within MLS, as clubs leverage new regulations to facilitate higher-value domestic transfers while competing with international suitors for premier talent.
