Sporting KC reportedly on verge of securing LA Galaxy striker Dejan Joveljic in blockbuster $4 million transfer amid interest from Liga MX's Tigres

Sporting Kansas City are reportedly nearing a deal to sign Serbia international Dejan Joveljic from the LA Galaxy in a $4 million transfer. The striker lifted MLS Cup 2024 with the Galaxy, starring in their front-three last season as they claimed MLS's championship trophy.

Liga MX side had reportedly approached the Galaxy with a bid for Joveljic earlier this week, but a deal with SKC is nearing completion, according to GIVEMESPORT.

Joveljic's transfer could potentially be MLS' first transfer under the new Cash for Player rule that was implemented earlier this year. As a result, SKC will pay straight cash for the Serbian.

The forward is in the final year of his contract, and is likely to sign a new deal in Kansas City, according to the report. The Galaxy did not have a Designated Player spot to offer Joveljic the money that SKC and Tigres were offering him. However, it has not been confirmed if Joveljic will be a DP in Kansas City or not.

Joveljic had a career year with the Galaxy, scoring 21 goals and recording seven assists across 33 appearances, including six goals and two assists in five playoff games, including bagging an effort in the MLS Cup final against the New York Red Bulls.

The Serbian was initially signed for LA under the U-22 initiative, but he ages out of the category in 2025, meaning he would have hit the salary cap at a higher number for LA, regardless of a new contract.

LA has been active this offseason, including dealing U.S. international Jalen Neal to CF Montreal, midfielder Mark Delgado to LAFC and attacker Gaston Brugman to Nashville SC.

Joveljic had previously played for Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsberger AC and Anderlecht after breaking through at Red Star Belgrade as a teenager.

The 2025 MLS season kicks off on Feb. 22, just weeks away, and if Joveljic makes his way to Kansas City he could potentially debut for the club in the CONCACAF Champions Cup the week prior against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

Sporting clashes with the Herons on Feb. 18 in the first leg of their series in the continental competition.