Player Exits FC Cincinnati in the Biggest MLS Steal of the Year

Toronto FC’s Eastern Conference rivals will look very different next season, and FC Cincinnati may struggle to challenge at the top without their star playmaker.

In a stunning move, FC Dallas has acquired Argentine midfielder Luciano Acosta from FC Cincinnati in a deal worth at least $5 million, making it one of the largest direct cash-for-player transfers in MLS history. The agreement, finalized on Wednesday, also includes up to $1 million in performance-based incentives.

Acosta, the 2023 MLS MVP, leaves Cincinnati as the club’s all-time leader in goals (54) and assists (72), a legacy built since he joined the team in 2021. His impact on the franchise was transformative, driving Cincinnati from three consecutive last-place finishes to playoff contenders. Under his leadership, Cincinnati reached the postseason for the first time in 2022 and secured their first-ever Supporters’ Shield in 2023, the same season he earned MVP honors.

This landmark deal comes shortly after MLS introduced new cash-for-player trade rules, allowing clubs to purchase players directly with cash rather than using General Allocation Money (GAM) or other league assets.

Acosta, 30, has been a consistent force in the league, twice serving as an MLS All-Star captain and becoming one of only six players in league history to record three or more seasons with at least 10 goals and 10 assists. His 2023 MVP campaign was a masterpiece, featuring 17 goals and 14 assists.

His arrival in Dallas marks the beginning of a new chapter for the club, which has turned to first-year head coach Eric Quill to lead the rebuild. Quill took over after Dallas parted ways with Nico Estévez last June. The team finished the 2023 season with an 11-15-8 record, missing the playoffs and signaling the need for a major shakeup.

Acosta’s MLS journey has been remarkable. Before joining Cincinnati, he played for Liga MX side Atlas FC from 2019 to 2021. Earlier in his career, he was a fan favorite at D.C. United, initially joining on loan in 2016 before signing permanently. During his four-year tenure in Washington, he helped the team reach the playoffs three times, highlighted by a stellar 2018 season in which he recorded 10 goals and 17 assists.

The highly anticipated reunion won’t take long—Acosta’s new club, FC Dallas, is scheduled to face FC Cincinnati on May 28, adding extra spice to what is sure to be an emotional showdown.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati is wasting no time seeking a replacement. Reports suggest that the club is in talks with the Portland Timbers over a potential deal for Brazilian midfielder Evander, hoping he can fill the massive void left by Acosta’s departure.