FC Dallas Breaks Record to Secure Petar Musa and Elevate MLS Level
FC Dallas is making a bold move by announcing the signing of Croatian forward Petar Musa from the Portuguese giant Benfica. The transaction, involving a record-breaking amount of $9.7 million, potentially reaching $13 million with additional bonuses, represents a significant investment for a Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
The 25-year-old player, an international for Croatia, arrives in the United States with the responsibility of surpassing expectations and raising FC Dallas's level in the 2024 season. His versatility and proven abilities against high-level opponents are highlighted as factors that make him a formidable addition to the team, as pointed out by Technical Director André Zanotta.
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The completion of this deal marks a historic moment for FC Dallas, which did not hesitate to break its own previous record – set in February 2022 with the acquisition of Alan Velasco – to bring Musa to MLS. The forward, now occupying a designated player slot, has signed a contract until the 2027 season, with an option to extend until 2028.
In addition to securing the player, FC Dallas has also secured Musa's discovery priority in a trade with the New England Revolution, spending $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to further strengthen its roster.
Musa leaves behind a notable stint with Benfica, where he contributed 17 goals and 5 assists in 66 matches, standing out as a "super-sub" in both the UEFA Champions League and the Primeira Liga title victory. His international journey also includes spells with renowned European clubs such as Union Berlin in the German Bundesliga, Slavia Prague in the Czech First League, and Boavista in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Internationally, Musa has worn the Croatian national team jersey on six occasions, bringing with him a wealth of experience and quality that will now be channeled to strengthen FC Dallas's attack. Coach Nico Estévez expressed gratitude to the club's leadership for their determination to finalize this signing and emphasized expectations surrounding the forward's performance.
Upon joining FC Dallas's roster, Musa will find an attack already composed of talents like Jesús Ferreira, Bernard Kamungo, and Paul Arriola, representing a promising lineup that seeks to propel the club after its seventh-place finish in the Western Conference last season.
Musa's arrival is crucial as it coincides with Alan Velasco's recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered last October. The depth provided by players Eugene Ansah and Enes Sali offers strategic options to the coach as Velasco completes his rehabilitation.
As we approach the season opener on February 24th against the San Jose Earthquakes, FC Dallas envisions a campaign that goes beyond mere competition; the club aims to establish itself as a rising force in MLS. The bold bet on Petar Musa reflects not only financial ambition but also the pursuit of excellence and a prominent place in the North American soccer scene.
In a league constantly growing and evolving, FC Dallas puts itself in the spotlight by making a clear statement: they are willing to invest in the present to reap the rewards in the future.