CITY SC receives cash in trade for Klauss

ST. LOUIS — One of the foundational pillars in St. Louis CITY SC is moving on to Los Angeles, per a trade announced Tuesday.

Forward João Klauss is leaving CITY SC as a result of a cash trade to LA Galaxy in exchange for $2.375 million. The transaction marks the largest-ever cash trade since the team made its league debut in 2023.

The Brazilian international leaves after three years in the Gateway City, scoring 27 goals in 85 appearances. CITY SC was his first experience in U.S. soccer, following a stint at German side TSG Hoffenheim and loans to Standard Liège and Sint-Truden.

Klauss joined the organization as a part of CITY SC’s NEXT Pro side CITY2 as the team’s first Designated Player.

Klauss made an immediate impact in the club’s first regular-season match, scoring the game-winning goal in a 3-2 comeback victory over Austin FC, helping the club to its first-ever MLS win. 

One of the most memorable performances of Klauss’ CITY SC career came against LA Galaxy, when he recorded the first hat trick in club history. The three-goal match, capped by a stoppage-time equalizer, earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors. 

He marches forward to Los Angeles with 284 career appearances (85 in MLS) and 96 goals (25 in MLS).

Remarks on Klauss contributions to CITY SC

“Klauss has been an important part of the club and gave our fans unforgettable memories, especially during that first season,” said Sporting Director Corey Wray. “He represented CITY SC and this city with passion and will always be part of the history of this club. We thank Klauss for his enormous contributions and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”

“While we did not plan to make this move ahead of the season, this was an opportunity that made sense for both Klauss and the club, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the season,” Wray added. “The funds we receive give us meaningful flexibility. We’re excited to reinvest in the roster as we continue to build and improve the squad over the upcoming transfer windows.”

It was not determined in the release whether the Designated Player slot went with the transaction, or whether it is still active for another international acquisition.

Closing and upcoming transfer portals

The winter international transfer window for most European leagues is currently open and will remain open until 7 p.m. GMT on February 2. The primary transfer window in MLS launched Monday and will remain open until March 26.

Outside of a few straggling European leagues, transfer portals in Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Lithuania, and Ukraine are live. Transfer portals in leagues based in Norway, the U.S., and Canada will be live within the next week.

TRANSACTION: Klauss for cash trade

St. Louis CITY SC to receive $2.375 million from LA Galaxy in a cash-for-player trade for João Klauss.

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Jake Leonard, Executive Editor-In-Chief

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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