ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) - St. Louis CITY SC will be looking for a new go-to striker this year.
The club announced that it has dealt João Klauss to LA Galaxy in exchange for $2.375 million. It is the largest-ever cash trade in CITY SC’s history.
The 28-year-old Brazilian Designated Player is St. Louis’s all-time leading scorer, with 27 goals across three seasons.
“Klauss has been an important part of the club and gave our fans unforgettable memories, especially during that first season,” said Sporting Director Corey Wray. “He represented CITY SC and this city with passion and will always be part of the history of this club. We thank Klauss for his enormous contributions and wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.”
In St. Louis’s debut 2023 season, Klauss was No. 2 in MLS jersey sales, trailing Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi. That year, Klauss helped lead CITY to the top spot in the Western Conference. His late goal in a 3-2 comeback victory over Austin FC gave St. Louis its first-ever MLS win.
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His only MLS hat-trick, ironically, came in a 3-3 draw with LA Galaxy this past season. It is also the only hat-trick ever recorded in CITY SC history.
“While we did not plan to make this move ahead of the season, this was an opportunity that made sense for both Klauss and the club, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the season. The funds we receive give us meaningful flexibility, and we’re excited to reinvest into the roster as we continue to build and improve the squad over the upcoming transfer windows,” continued Wray.
In total, Klauss made 85 appearances for CITY SC, which is second in club history behind Roman Bürki.
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