Exclusive: Sporting KC’s Dejan Joveljić Draws Interest from Tigres and MLS Giants

Since arriving at Sporting Kansas City in one of the most significant cash trades in MLS history, Dejan Joveljić has evolved into a cornerstone of the attack at Children's Mercy Park.

However, the Serbian international is becoming the center of a high-stakes transfer chess match.

The Price of a Goalscorer

Sporting KC’s heavy investment, including a $4 million allocation trade and a lucrative Designated Player (DP) contract, means the club is under no pressure to sell. 

With his market value now hovering around the €7 million mark, SKC has positioned itself as a "tough seller" in the market.

Market insiders suggest that for any intra-league move, the asking price would involve a package worth between $10 million and $12 million in combined allocation money. 

For potential European or international suitors, a figure around €8.5–€9 million is expected to be the starting point for negotiations.

The Suitors: Liga MX Powerhouses and MLS Rivals

Joveljić’s clinical nature in front of goal has attracted interest from across North America. 

The Liga MX giants, Tigres have a long-standing interest in the Serbian, viewing him as the ideal candidate to revitalize an aging offensive line.

Known for tactical stability but lacking a consistent "20-goal-a-season" threat, Philadelphia Union are reportedly considering a significant budget allocation to lure Joveljić to Philly.

FC Cincinnati have also registered interest, with European clubs showing interest in Kevin Denkey, and they see Joveljić as the final piece to complete a championship-caliber offense.

Strategic Revamp: The 'DP' Slot Factor

While there is no formal transfer request currently on the table, Sporting KC’s broader "squad revamp" strategy suggests they may be open to a major deal.

The financial upside of a sale is significant. Offloading Joveljić’s $2 million annual salary would not only provide a massive return on investment but, more importantly, free up a DP slot.

This would grant the front office the flexibility to chase a high-profile European marquee signing, with rumors of elite names like Robert Lewandowski occasionally surfacing in tactical discussions.

This transfer saga presents a crossroads for Sporting KC. While losing Joveljić would impact on-field chemistry, the opportunity to secure a $10m+ windfall and pivot toward a global superstar might be too tempting to ignore. 

For now, Joveljić remains a fan favorite in Kansas City, but the "chess match" has only just begun.