The deal was completed using the league’s new Cash for Player Trades system, which allows MLS clubs to send cash to other teams instead of General Allocation Money (GAM) or other assets in exchange for players. Dallas is sending Cincinnati $5 million plus bonuses in exchange for the Argentine.
Lucho Acosta from FC Cincinnati Agree Deal with FC Dallas
The saga started in the locker room after Cincy’s playoff exit in November, when Acosta shocked the league by telling media he wanted to depart the club this offseason. No deal was ready by the time preseason rolled around and Acosta didn’t show up and was fined by the team. He ultimately joined up with the group, but was training alone to build his fitness back up.
The deal ends a tense saga between player and club that has gotten worse as months went by, with an exit becoming increasingly necessary. Last week, Acosta did an explosive interview with Queen City Press in which he directly criticized GM Chris Albright. Cincinnati gave a statement backing Albright.
Acosta, 30, was named the 2023 MLS MVP and he continued that top form in 2024 once again. The diminutive creative midfielder had 17 goals and 14 assists in 2023, as he led Cincy to win the Supporters’ Shield, then delivered 14 goals and 19 assists last year.
Dallas moved to sign Acosta and add one of the league’s very best players.
Musa sat down with GIVEMESPORT to discuss his first MLS season with Dallas, his World Cup dream and much more.
Acosta can be a one-man attack all by himself, but now gets to form a potentially lethal partnership with star Dallas forward Petar Musa. Musa, who joined FCD in a club-record deal worth around $10 million last winter, had an excellent debut season. Now, he has one of the league’s premier chance creators providing service.
Dallas signed center back Osaze Urhoghide from Amiens SC this week, as they build for opening day. The club are expected to bring in further reinforcements. They finished 11th in the Western Conference last season.
Dallas are remaking their team this winter, with Eric Quill taking over as head coach and a ton of change in the locker room. Alan Velasco left for Boca Juniors in a deal worth $10 milllion, while Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola were traded to the Seattle Sounders.
