Transfer Tracker

FC Dallas open DP spot as forward Franco Jara departs

Franco Jara

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Mutual contract termination

FC Dallas and forward Franco Jara have mutually agreed to terminate his contract, the club announced Tuesday.

The move opens a Designated Player spot for FCD heading into the 2023 MLS season. Their other DPs are forwards JesĆŗs Ferreira and Alan Velasco.

ā€œJara was the ultimate professional during his tenure with FC Dallas,ā€ technical director Andre Zanotta said in a release. ā€œWe appreciate his contributions to the club and wish him the best as he enters the next phase of his career.ā€

Jara, 34, joined Dallas in July 2020 after signing a pre-contract the previous winter as his deal with Liga MXā€™s Pachuca was ending. He ultimately tallied 17 goals and three assists in 78 matches (35 starts), falling behind homegrowns Ferreira and Ricardo Pepi (before his club-record transfer to FC Augsburg last winter) in the depth chart.

As Jara departs, heā€™s been linked with signing for Argentine Primera DivisiĆ³n side Club AtlĆ©tico Belgrano. His professional career started in his native Argentina for Arsenal de SarandĆ­.

FC Dallas are entering their second season under head coach Nico Estevez, having made the Western Conference Semifinals in the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs. Theyā€™ll return to action on Feb. 25 when hosting Minnesota United FC (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).