FC Cincinnati sends former MVP Luciano Acosta to FC Dallas

CINCINNATI — After months of rumors and conversations, Luciano Acosta is officially on the move.

FC Cincinnati announced Wednesday the former Major League Soccer MVP is heading to FC Dallas for a fee of $5 million, plus add-ons. The move is the largest cash-for-player trade in league history.

The club would be able to convert up to $3 million of that money to its General Allocation Money (GAM), which could be used to sign new players or provide other flexibility for future spending, a source familiar with the deal told WCPO 9 Sports. It would also create a second Designated Player opening for Cincinnati's roster.

That money could come in handy as sources say FCC works on acquiring Evander to fill Acosta's spot in the midfield.

Acosta was Cincinnati's all-time leader in goals (54) and assists (72). He wore the captain’s armband 133 times, nearly 100 more times than any other player since the club joined MLS in 2019.

“As Lucho departs, we want to express our gratitude,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “Lucho has been a tremendous player for this club. From helping secure the first playoff appearance in team history, to an MVP season leading to the Supporters’ Shield, he has played a huge role in the story and success of FC Cincinnati. We wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.

This comes more than one week after FCC and Estudiantes, a top-flight club in Acosta's home country of Argentina, agreed on a fee to transfer him. At that time, sources said Acosta had not agreed to a contract with the club. Now, it appears Acosta won't be returning home and will instead remain in the MLS.

The report likely doesn't come as a shock to fans. After the club's early exit from the MLS Cup Playoffs in November, Acosta outwardly contemplated his future with the club.

"Today I played for [the fans] to remember as my last at the club," Acosta said in a postgame interview.

While he continued to say he might not leave Cincinnati, Acosta noted that the comment wasn't a gut reaction to a disappointing loss.

"This is something I've been thinking about for a while now, talking with those close to me, talking to my family," he said.

Days later, Acosta skipped out on year-end player interviews.

Albright said in December the team was in "good discussions" with the former MLS MVP and his reps about the future, but noted Lucho had been dealing with a "difficult year." The three-time MLS All-Star had previously said he had been dealing with challenges "away from the game."

FCC will host FC Dallas at TQL Stadium Wednesday, May 28.