Photo by Jessi Carpenter - Sporting Kansas City/MLS via Getty Images

Liga MX's Tigres, FC Cincinnati & Philadelphia Union Eye 60-Goal MLS Striker

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 12:04 PM ET

Liga MX side Tigres UANL, FC Cincinnati, and Philadelphia Union are reportedly interested in signing a forward with more than 60 goals in American soccer, according to reports.

According to information from SportsBoom, the three cited clubs are competing for the signing of Sporting Kansas City striker Dejan Joveljic.

Joveljic, 26, had an individually productive 2025 season with Sporting KC, scoring 18 goals and providing two assists in 32 MLS games.

"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," SportsBoom's Ekrem Konur wrote.

"Known for tactical stability but lacking a consistent '20-goal-a-season' threat, the Philadelphia Union are reportedly considering a significant budget allocation to lure Joveljic to Philly. FC Cincinnati has also registered interest, with European clubs showing interest in Kevin Denkey, and they see Joveljic as the final piece to complete a championship-caliber offense."

Dejan Joveljic #9 of Sporting Kansas City during the MLS match between Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC at Children's Mercy Park on September 07, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas.Photo by Kyleigh Rowe -Sporting Kansas City/MLS via Getty Images

This Is Why Tigres, Cincinnati & Philadelphia Want Dejan Joveljic

The interest in the Serbian is entirely understandable. Since arriving in the United States, Joveljic has scored more than 60 goals; 62 to be exact, counting his time with the LA Galaxy and his most recent campaign with Sporting KC.

Throughout his senior career, he has scored 97 goals. He began playing professionally at Red Star Belgrade, and had stints with Eintracht Frankfurt, Anderlecht, and Wolfsberger before signing with the Galaxy in 2021.

Joveljic was a key piece in helping the LA Galaxy win their sixth MLS Cup in 2024, but due to budget and salary cap constraints, the Los Angeles club had to part ways with its striker.

"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," Konur explained.

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

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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