Jesús Ferreira could very well be the key piece to unlock Sounders FC’s attack as the team sets its sights on multiple trophies in 2025.
Known for one of the best defenses in Major League Soccer over the last few seasons, Seattle shifted its priorities toward the offensive side during the offseason, acquiring the 24-year-old forward in a blockbuster trade with FC Dallas on Jan. 8.
“[He’s] a player that's proven in MLS, a player that has an edge, a player of an age that suggests there's a lot more years of good or better to come,” said General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel. “I think he can bring a little bit of scoring arrogance that we've been a little too humble with over the last couple years.”
In eight seasons with FC Dallas, Ferreira competed in 163 regular season matches, racking up 53 goals and 34 assists while earning two MLS All-Star honors and a spot in the league’s 2022 Best XI. He’s also been a member with the U.S. Men’s National Team, supporting the team with 15 goals in 23 appearances.
The Sounders finished the 2024 year as one of the top teams in MLS, having made it to the Western Conference Final and nearly hosting MLS Cup at Lumen Field. The hope is that Ferreira’s established threat on offense can elevate the team to even greater heights.
“He's a player that, from a profile standpoint, compliments a lot of what we have,” said Waibel. “And also in our minds, gives our coaching staff the ability to look at different formations and tactics, which is not always the case in MLS because of salary cap, so in this case, we're really happy with what he presents, not only individually, technically, tactically and also to goal, but also what he presents to the group.”
Ferreira can be utilized as a lone No. 9, he can play up top in a two-striker formation and he can also be influential on the wing, as shown in last year’s FC Dallas 1-0 exhibition win over 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami with his goal in the opening minutes of the match.
2025 Home Opener
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“Jesús's style and his creativity and his ability to drop in and also exploit space gives us far more options,” said Waibel.
Ferreira joins a Sounders side with a vast history of winning championships. And with an already talented attack of Jordan Morris, Paul Rothrock, Pedro de la Vega and Georgi Minoungou, the recent acquisition is expected to be beneficial for both parties.
“I think the pressure of playing in Seattle will be healthy for him…I think the reward of playing in Seattle will be healthy for him,” said Waibel. “But I also think we got a player that is very good, that we believe can be great. And so the challenge is set and he knows it…Our team that's already successful expects him to come make us better, and that's not going to happen without quite a bit of effort.”
