FC Dallas made it official Wednesday, announcing the acquisition of U.S. men’s national team winger Paul Arriola in a trade with D.C. United.
In exchange, D.C. United will receive an MLS-record $2 million in general allocation money: $1.5 million in 2022 and $500,000 in 2023.
D.C. also retains 30 percent of any transfer value if Dallas deals Arriola to a team outside of MLS. D.C. United also receive up to an additional $300,000 if Arriola reaches certain performance-based metrics.
“To have a player like Paul Arriola come to FC Dallas is really an amazing thing,” club president Dan Hunt said in a news release. “Very few players have a resume like he does at the age of 26. He’s also an incredible locker room guy. You don’t get to captain the U.S. national team if you’re not of the highest caliber and a great professional who works hard and has the admiration of his teammates and the coaching staff. We’re thrilled to welcome Paul to Dallas.”
Arriola tallied six goals and four assists in 20 matches (19 starts) in his fifth season with D.C. United in 2021. His career totals include 20 goals and 16 assists in 89 games (83 starts) since 2017.
“I’m super excited to be joining FC Dallas and starting a new journey with this club,” Arriola said. “Coming to Dallas will be a great step in my career as it will continue to help me build towards my professional goals. I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and I can’t wait to get to work with my new teammates and staff.”
Internationally, Arriola has earned 42 caps and scored eight goals with the U.S. squad.
The previous MLS record was $1.2 million in GAM, set in December when the New York Red Bulls acquired winger Lewis Morgan from Inter Miami CF.
–Field Level Media
