Danny Leyva’s transfer to Liga MX’s Club Necaxa is now official, the Seattle Sounders announced on Monday. Exact terms of the transfer were not disclosed, but Sounder at Heart has confirmed the broad contours of the deal that will net them about $1.2 million in additional salary cap space, has playing-time incentives that could bring the transfer fee to more than $1 million and includes a sell-on fee of 20-25% depending on where he were to go next. Leyva likely would have hit the salary cap at around $400,000 in 2026. Previous reports suggested he had signed a new three-year contract with an option for a fourth year with Necaxa.
As much as the Sounders needed additional salary-cap maneuverability — Sounder at Heart estimated they had about $1.65 million in space before the Leyva move — this was almost as much about giving Leyva an opportunity he wanted. Leyva has dual-citizenship with the United States and Mexico and has previously been linked with moves to Liga MX.
Jeremiah Oshan
“There’s a saying that when your best players are also your best people, then you have a uniqueness that is rare to find. Danny fits that mold,” Sounders Technical Director Henry Brauner said in a team release. “Since his first moments in the academy, his human qualities and soccer abilities were always in sync. We are so proud of what he has accomplished, from making his First Team debut at 16, to closing out his latest trophy in the form of a Leagues Cup victory at home, he’s proven the pathway with humility and determination, and we are so excited he’s taking next steps into Liga MX with Necaxa. Homegrown Players give the community they represent peace and pride, and we are humbled by his professionalism every step of the way.”
With Obed Vargas looking likely to return in 2026, Leyva was once again likely facing an uphill battle for significantly more playing time than he got in 2025 when he played about 1,000 minutes across all competitions. At Necaxa, Leyva has a chance to at least compete for starters minutes. Necaxa is coming off a 13th-place finish in the most recent Apertura and are in the midst of a coaching change after Fernando Gago left the team last month.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Sounders FC for everything this club has meant to me since the day I joined the academy,” Leyva said in a Sounders press release. “Growing up in this environment shaped me not only as a player, but as a person, and I’m thankful for all the coaches, staff and teammates who helped guide my development along the way. Seattle will always be an important part of my journey. While I’m excited for the opportunity ahead with Club Necaxa, I’ll carry the lessons and memories from my time with the Sounders with me wherever I go.”
For the Sounders, Snyder Brunell is now the top backup at the double-pivot while Alex Roldan can potentially help out. They will almost certainly be looking to bolster their depth, most likely with a veteran addition.
