MLS champion Dejan Joveljic ready for new chapter with SKC

Field Level Media|published: Sun 2nd February, 23:22 2025

MLS: MLS Cup-New York Red Bulls at LA Galaxy

Dec 7, 2024; Carson, California, USA; LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates on the field with the Philip F. Anschutz trophy after defeating the New York Red Bulls in the 2024 MLS Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dejan Joveljic thought he would be part of the Los Angeles Galaxy for a long time.

But after his best MLS season and pivotal part of the franchise's 2024 title, Joveljic will be looking to further his accolades with Sporting Kansas City.

One day after being acquired for $4 million -- the first cash-for-player trade in MLS history -- the change in scenery was sinking in for the 25-year-old Serbian.

"In 2021, I came to the United States for the first time and I had big goals," Joveljic said on social media on Sunday. "I joined the most historic team in MLS and I wanted to play and score in every match. I had to wait a little longer than I would've liked, but I finally showed everyone what my game is about: scoring goals and doing anything and everything for the team to win."

In 2021, I came to the United States for the first time and I had big goals. I joined the most historic team in MLS and I wanted to play and score in every match. I had to wait a little longer than I would've liked, but I finally showed everyone what my game is about: scoring... pic.twitter.com/F69Je7v6qo
— Dejan Joveljic (@JoveljicDejan) February 2, 2025

Joveljic scored a career-best 15 goals in 28 MLS matches (23 starts) last season and 21 times in 33 matches across all competitions. He has found the back of the net 34 times in 106 MLS matches (55 starts) in four seasons with the Galaxy.

Joveljic excelled in the 2024 postseason with six goals in five matches. He scored one of LA's goals in the 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup title match.

Sporting KC wasted no time locking Joveljic up, signing him to a three-year contract plus an option for 2028.

"I'm grateful to have played for the LA Galaxy and helped the club win it's sixth MLS Cup," Joveljic said. "Champions will meet again, one day! I'll be seeing everyone soon, but just in different colors."

Sporting KC is also close to acquiring attacking midfielder Manu Garcia and forward Magomed "Shapi" Suleymanov from the Greek team Aris Saloniki, according to the Kansas City Star.

--Field Level Media