Jesus Ferreira signs Young Designated Player deal with FC Dallas

FC Dallas have signed Jesus Ferreira to a new deal that will see him become a Young Designated Player.

The homegrown forward has been a part of the Dallas senior set-up since his debut in June 2017, registering 18 goals and 15 assists in 86 appearances so far.

Still only 21, Ferreira is now set to play a key role in the rebuild of new head coach Nico Estevez - especially following the sale of Ricardo Pepi to German Bundesliga side Augsburg.

“Jesús is getting better and better every year,” Dallas technical director André Zanotta said in a club press release.

“It’s a World Cup year and he’s being called up to the national team. For us, it’s really exciting to see his development and how mature he is right now. It’s great to have Jesús here for the long term and he deserves this new contract to become one of our Designated Players and to carry the number 10 on his back."

Ferreira's new deal runs through 2025 with an option for 2026 - the year the United States co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.

Zanotta added: ”He has many years ahead of him and he’ll continue to bring his qualities to our team.”

After a disappointing 2020 campaign that yielded just one MLS goal and assist, Ferreira enjoyed an improved 2021 season, scoring eight times and setting up the same amount in 27 appearances despite FC Dallas failing to make the Playoffs.

Club exploits aside, Ferreira has made a promising start to his USMNT career, scoring twice across his first five caps.

With his new deal, Ferreira follows in the footsteps of his father, David, who became FC Dallas' second-ever DP in 2011 following a two-year loan spell.