FC Dallas is saying goodbye to an important part of their squad as their Ecuadorian midfielder Carlos Gruezo is swapping MLS for Europe. Bundesliga side FC Augsburg announced on Tuesday that they have acquired Gruezo from Dallas.
Although the teams have not disclosed the financial terms of the deal, MLS Soccer’s Tom Bogert reports that the transfer is worth $4.5 million. The overall value could go up to $6.2 million if certain incentives are met.
Gruezo will sign a five-year deal with his new team.
“We are convinced Carlos Gruezo will fit into our team very nicely with his style of play. He has already played in the Bundesliga in the past and has continued to develop in the MLS and with the Ecuador national team. We are therefore certain we will enjoy a lot of success with Carlos over the next few years,” – said Augsburg’s sporting director Stefan Reuter in a statement.
Carlos Gruezo joined FC Dallas in 2016, playing 109 games with the organization and providing four goals and seven assists since then. During his time with the organization, he won US Open Cup and Supporters’ Shield.
Prior to his arrival to Dallas, Gruezo spent two and a half years with VfB Stuttgart, where he played 18 games.
“I’m delighted that FC Augsburg have given me the opportunity to return to Germany and play in the Bundesliga for the second time,” – said Gruezo of his return to Bundesliga. “I have gathered a lot of important experience in Dallas and I now want to show that in Augsburg.”
