The Seattle Sounders have successfully acquired winger Paul Arriola from FC Dallas, trading a first-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft along with up to $300,000 in allocation money. At 29 years old, Arriola has spent eight seasons in MLS and has previously played for Club Tijuana in Liga MX, showcasing a robust career with 37 goals and 34 assists in 174 regular-season matches. He has signed a new three-year contract with a club option for 2028, indicating the Sounders' long-term commitment to his presence on the team. General Manager Craig Waibel articulated the excitement surrounding Arriola's arrival, noting his experience at both the club and international levels as a significant asset. This trade follows the Sounders' recent acquisition of forward Jesús Ferreira, indicating a focused effort to enhance the team's offensive capabilities.

With 50 caps and 10 goals for the U. S. Men's National Team, Arriola's international experience is expected to foster a positive environment in the locker room. The Sounders are set to begin preseason training soon, followed by a trip to Spain for further preparations. They will kick off their competitive year in the Concacaf Champions League against Antigua GFC on February 19, 2025.