The Sounders have announced the signing of Dejan Joveljic as a designated player from Sporting Kansas City for $6 million USD. The 27-year-old Serbian’s contract will run through June 2030 with a one-year club option.
Joveljic won MLS Cup in 2024 with LA Galaxy, where scored the winning goal against the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Final to send LA to MLS Cup and the eventual winner in the final against RBNY.
“We’ve seen firsthand how difficult he is to defend, and I’m looking forward to having those qualities on our side,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer, via the official press release. “As a coaching staff, we’re eager to welcome him into our group and get to work.”
Photo courtesy of Sounders FC Communications
Joveljic’s European experience includes playing 28 games for Serbian side Red Star Belgrade and scoring 14. Later on, Joveljic joined German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, making 10 appearances and scoring one goal for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Joveljic had two loans spells when at Frankfurt, going to Belgian side RSC Anderlecht (5 apps, 1 goal) and then particularly shined at Austrian side Wolfsberger SC (34 apps, 18 goals), finishing as their top scorer in the 2020/21 season.
“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,” said General Manager Craig Waibel via the official press release, expressing his excitement of making Joveljic a Sounder. “Dejan understands what it takes to win in MLS and not only gives us an immediate boost, but provides a vital building block for the future.”
Joveljic featured in the UEFA Champions League as a substitute during Red Star Belgrade’s 2018/19 season away against Napoli and at home to PSG.
Internationally, Joveljic has nine caps for the Serbian National Team.
Cover photo courtesy of Sounders FC Communications
