MLS transfer roundup: FC Dallas break the bank for Petar Musa, Inter Miami sell Nicolas Stefanelli
- Charlotte FC loan out star forward to Italian first divison
- FC Dallas make record signing to add to attacking department
- Inter Miami see two players depart south Florida
Although the European transfer window is set to slam shut, Major League Soccer sides continue to work to tinker with their rosters ahead of the 2024 season.
The new season will be here before we know it, and clubs are starting to scramble to better position themselves for success. Inter Miami have seen two players depart on a permanent basis, while Charlotte FC have sent their star striker out on loan through the remainder of the 2023/24 European season.
Here's all the latest MLS transfer news you may have missed.
1. FC Dallas sign forward Petar Musa from Benfica
FC Dallas have shelled out the big bucks to sign striker Petar Musa from Portuguese side Benfica, as the deal will reportedly cost the Western Conference team up to $13m, which is a club-record fee.
Musa joins the Texan club after 17 goals in 66 appearances for Benfica, and he's earned six call-ups with Croatia at the international level.
"We've secured a world-class attacker in the prime of his career in Petar," Dallas technical director Andre Zanotta said in a release.
"His versatility and proven skills against top-level opponents makes him a formidable addition to our team. Petar's signing marks a historic moment for us."
The 25-year-old joins an attacking unit with fellow striker Jesus Ferreira, who could be deployed out wide to have both players in a starting lineup.
2. Inter Miami trade Christopher McVey to DC United
Inter Miami have traded center-back Christopher McVey to DC United in exchange for $100k in General Allocation Money (GAM).
McVey departs DRV PNK Stadium after managing 61 appearances and is now set to join first-year head coach Troy Lesesne at DC.
"Chris has been a reliable, valued member of our squad since he joined the Club, playing every match in his first season and helping us make history in winning our first title last year," Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said in a release.
"We’re thankful for his efforts at Inter Miami and wish him well in his future."
3. Nicolas Stefanelli departs Inter Miami for Hungarian outfit Fehervar FC
Hungarian outfit Fehervar FC have signed forward Nicolas Stefanelli from Inter Miami.
The 29-year-old returns to Europe for a second stint after previously suiting up for AIK in Sweden and Anorthosis in Cyprus.
"Nicolas has been a class act since his arrival last year. He was key to the team’s U.S. Open Cup run and has been a great teammate on and off the pitch. We wish him well in this next step in his career," Henderson said.
Stefanelli registered four goals in 30 appearances in one season with Miami.
4. Charlotte FC send Karol Swiderski to Hellas Verona on loan
Charlotte FC have loaned out striker Karol Swiderski to Italian outfit Hellas Verona through the remainder of the 2023/24 Serie A season.
Swiderski, who's contract with Charlotte runs through 2025, has totaled 25 goals in 70 appearances in the Crown's first two seasons as an expansion side.
"This opportunity is in Charlotte FC's best interest as we reconfigure our roster under a new head coach. Karol has always given his best on the pitch for us, and he was clear with his intention to pursue this opportunity. In this situation, the Club was not going to stand in his way," Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta said in a release.
"We now have key roster-building mechanisms available to us that we can use to bolster our squad throughout the remainder of this window and during the summer transfer window<"
Hellas Verona also have an option to make Swiderski's loan move permanent in the summer.
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