St. Louis CITY SC has agreed to trade Brazilian forward João Klauss to LA Galaxy in a deal worth $2.375 million. The move sends the fan favorite to the West Coast, where he’ll take over a Designated Player slot vacated by injured midfielder Riqui Puig.
Klauss, 28, was CITY's emotional centerpiece during the club’s inaugural season in 2023. Known for his physicality, hold-up play, and cheerful personality, Klauss helped lead CITY to a playoff berth in its debut year and remained a fan favorite even as injuries and tactical shifts limited his minutes and effectiveness in 2024 and 2025. CITY's seeming refusal to extend his contract beyond this season, and rumored conflict between Klauss and CITY President Diego Gigliani dating back to last season, contributed to the willingness to trade the popular forward. Klauss scored 27 goals across three seasons for St. Louis, making him the franchise leader in goals scored at the time of his departure.
CITY SC fans will remember Klauss not just for his goals, but for his grit, his friendly demeanor, and his role in helping build the club’s identity. His departure marks the end of an era and highlights the high degree of turnover the club has seen heading into its fourth season.
