St. Louis City exercise option on striker Joao Klauss

St. Louis City exercised the contract option for Brazilian striker Joao Klauss for the 2026 season.

Klauss, 28, has scored a franchise-record 27 goals in 85 appearances across all competitions since 2023.

He scored 10 goals in MLS play during the club's debut season in 2023 and matched that total this season.

Klauss occupies a designated player spot for St. Louis City, which finished 13th in the Western Conference and missed the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The team also exercised options for midfielders Chris Durkin and Miguel Perez; forwards Sang Bin Jeong and Brendan McSorley; defender Jaziel Orozco and goalkeeper Christian Olivares.

St. Louis City declined options for defender Michael Wentzel and midfielders Rasmus Alm, Alfredo Morales and Akil Watts.