The Seattle Sounders’ summer-transfer window signing drought may soon be over. Based on reporting by Fabrizio Romano, the Sounders have completed a deal to acquire Sporting KC striker Dejan Joveljić on a $6 million transfer. Sounder at Heart understands that a deal has not been finalized, however, including how the Sounders would open up a Designated Player spot.
🔵🟢🇺🇸 EXCL: Seattle Sounders agree deal to sign Dejan Joveljić from Sporting KC, here we go! Deal worth $6m fee and player on his way to medical.
— Fabrizio Romano (MIRROR) (@fabrizioromano.yopro20.com) August 22, 2026 at 4:55 PM
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The 27-year-old striker was first acquired by Sporting KC ahead of last season in a $4 million cash-for-player trade with the LA Galaxy, one of the last major moves made by Peter Vermes, and significantly predates the current club leadership.
If the transfer amount is accurate, this would be one of the most expensive moves in Sounders history and would require the Sounders to open a Designated Player spot. Sounder at Heart's Niko Moreno has reported that the Sounders are trying to extend Albert Rusnák in order to do that. Joveljić does not occupy an international roster spot, which does simplify that part of a deal.
When asked about the potential move following Saturday's 1–1 tie with FC Cincinnati, Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer declined to confirm anything but spoke glowingly of Joveljić.
"Joveljić is a very talented player," he said. "He would fit well with our squad. But until anything is official, I can’t comment. I told you everyone is working on stuff. I’ll wait until we get confirmation to make a statement.
"With deja, he knows the league. It’s plug and play. Credit to Craig and if it happens, let’s talk about it then."
Despite playing for one of the league’s worst teams during his 1.5 seasons in KC, Joveljić has managed to be a consistent scorer. He had 18 goals and 2 assists in about 2,700 minutes last year and 8 goals and 1 assist in about 1,700 minutes this year. Over parts of six MLS seasons, Joveljić has 60 goals and 16 assists while averaging .70 goals and assists per 90 minutes. That includes about .47 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes.
His stats compare favorably to Raúl Ruidíaz who was about a year older when he came to the Sounders and for a similar price tag, albeit in 2018 dollars.
Joveljić is a classic No. 9 who his mostly known as a goal-scorer but who has some decent hold-up skills and has proven himself reasonably effective in the press. Whether he occupies a Designated Player spot immediately or not, he is a clear upgrade over the Sounders’ current options.
