FC Cincinnati parted ways with Argentinean attacking midfielder Luciano Acosta on Wednesday, trading the 2023 MLS MVP to FC Dallas for $5 million in cash.
Acosta’s trade also includes $1 million in added incentives and a percentage of future transfer if he’s moved to another MLS team in the future.
Cincinnati and Dallas took advantage of trading tweaks introduced by MLS for the 2025 season to pull off the deal. Unlike previous seasons, teams can now trade for players using cash instead of assets like draft picks or general allocation money (GAM). Players involved in these types of deals receive 10% of the cash amount.
“This is a landmark signing for FC Dallas and a statement of our commitment to building a championship-caliber team,” FC Dallas president Dan Hunt said in a statement. “Bringing in a player of Lucho’s caliber –- an MVP and proven leader -– demonstrates our ambition and desire to compete at the highest level. We are thrilled to welcome him to the FC Dallas family and cannot wait to see him inspire our fans and teammates alike.”
Luciano Acosta came to MLS in 2016 joining D.C. United from Boca Juniors. He went on to spend four seasons with D.C., earning MLS Best XI nod in 2018. After his contract expired following the 2019 campaign, Acosta signed with Mexican club Atlas.
Acosta returned to MLS after just one year, joining FC Cincinnati on a Designated Player deal. He would go on to play the best stretch of his career, earning three consecutive MLS All-Star appearances and MLS Best XI honors. He was also named the MLS MVP for the 2023 season after scoring 19 goals and dishing 12 assists.
The past season saw Acosta playing on a high level as well, as he finished the 2024 campaign with 12 goals and a career-high 17 assists.
