In a stunning move, FC Dallas has secured the services of former MLS MVP Lucho Acosta from FC Cincinnati, shaking up the league’s landscape. This blockbuster deal, facilitated through the new Cash for Player Trades system, sees Dallas parting with a staggering $5 million plus bonuses to acquire the Argentine playmaker.
Cincy’s Ambitious Rebuild
While FC Cincinnati parts ways with their talismanic figure, they are not resting on their laurels. The club has been actively pursuing star attacking midfielder Evander from the Portland Timbers, aiming to bolster their offensive prowess. This move comes on the heels of several high-profile acquisitions, including the record-breaking signing of forward Kevin Denkey for $16.2 million, the permanent addition of Luca Orellano, and the arrivals of Lukas Engel and Gilberto Flores. With former MLS Defender of the Year Matt Miazga returning from injury, Cincinnati is poised for an ambitious rebuild.
Behind the Scenes: The Acosta Saga Unravels
The Acosta saga has been a tumultuous one, with tensions brewing behind the scenes. After Cincinnati’s playoff exit in November, Acosta stunned the league by expressing his desire to depart the club during the offseason. As preseason approached, no deal was in place, leading to Acosta’s absence and subsequent fines from the team. Although he eventually rejoined the group, he trained alone to regain fitness, hinting at the underlying issues. This saga ultimately culminated in Acosta’s high-profile move to FC Dallas, marking the end of an era in Cincinnati.
Explore the Latest MLS Moves
The Acosta deal is just one of many moves shaping the MLS landscape this offseason. From Atlanta United’s record-breaking signing of Emmanuel Latte Lath to Dallas’ acquisition of center back Osaze Urhoghide and the departures of Alan Velasco, Jesus Ferreira, and Paul Arriola, the league is witnessing a flurry of activity. Stay tuned as teams continue to reshape their rosters, with more exciting developments on the horizon.
