FC Dallas acquired forward Fafa Picault from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for $300,000 of 2020 General Allocation Money and also signed defensive stalwart Matt Hedges to a three-year contract extension.
FILE PHOTO: Oct 20, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Fafa Picault (9) collides with New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles (31) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia could receive up to $75,000 in additional GAM for 2021 if Picault meets performance metrics.
Picault, 28, had 21 goals and 12 assists in 89 games across three seasons for the Union. He had a career-best 10 goals in 2018.
Last season, Picault had four goals and four assists in 32 games (21 starts).
“We thank Fafa for his time served with the Philadelphia Union,” Philadelphia sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a statement. “His charisma on and off the field produced many notable moments for the club. Given our confidence with our roster at the position, this is the best move for club and a great opportunity for the player.”
Picault has had two brief stints with the U.S. national team in 2016 and 2018 but has failed to stick at the international level.
Hedges, 29, is now signed through the 2022 season with club options for the following two seasons. His 236 starts and 20,848 minutes played are franchise records.
“We’re thrilled that Matt has recommitted to FC Dallas on a long-term basis,” team president Dan Hunt said in a statement. “He is an important part of what we’re doing here and we’re going to continue to build around that foundation.”
Hedges has been an MLS All-Star in each of the past three seasons. He has 16 goals and three assists during his eight seasons with the club.
Hedges made $550,000 in base salary in 2019.
—Field Level Media