MLS steps in to block proposed $13 million transfer of USMNT star Jesus Ferreira to Spartak Moscow

According to the Athletic, Russian side Spartak Moscow recently submitted a $13 million bid for USMNT and FC Dallas striker Jesus Ferreira. FC Dallas was reportedly all set to accept the bid, but MLS stepped in to tell all involved that the deal would not be approved by the league.

Due to its single-entity business model, the league has the final say on all transfers, meaning MLS has the authority to block the move. The league reportedly told FC Dallas and Ferreira that the deal was nixed due to the risks of doing business with a Russian club.

The decision comes as businesses and countries all over the world still grapple with the aftereffects of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has certainly had an impact on the soccer landscape. Both FIFA and UEFA have suspended Russia from international competitions in the aftermath of that 2022 international incident. Spartak Moscow owner Lukoil has been sanctioned by the U.S. in recent years.

MLS' decision to block a potential move for Ferreira isn't unprecedented as, according to the Athletic, the league stepped in to prevent a potential $5 million transfer that would have seen then-New York Red Bulls star Cristian Casseres head to Lokomotiv Moscow.

As for Ferreira, the young forward has been linked with a series of European moves throughout the last few years, while clubs in Mexico have also been interested in signing the 23-year-old attacker. He could require a big move to remain in the USMNT picture, with the likes of Folarin Balogun and another former FC Dallas star, Ricardo Pepi, leading the way in the striker race.

Ferreira, who recently scored the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Inter Miami, is set to continue with preseason as FC Dallas prepares for the start of the MLS regular season in February. The striker will hope for a hot start to the campaign as the USMNT looks ahead to the Nations League in the spring before the Copa America comes stateside this summer.