D.C. United on Wednesday announced the trade of standout winger Paul Arriola to FC Dallas, the first of what’s expected to be several major roster moves in the coming weeks.
United received $2 million in general allocation money — the largest sum relinquished in a trade since the league’s launch in 1996 — and could reap another $300,000 if Arriola hits undisclosed performance thresholds. D.C. would also collect 30 percent of a transfer fee, should Dallas sell him to a club outside of MLS.
The move leaves a significant void in United’s attack — the quick, energetic Arriola was an influential presence for 4½ years — but provides the club with the means to acquire players before the Feb.