Forward Tomas Chancalay left his native Argentina to experience the rough and tumble of MLS and decided to stay.

The New England Revolution exercised their permanent transfer option and signed the 24-year-old forward to an MLS contract as a Designated Player through the 2026 season with a one-year club option. Chancalay transferred from Racing Club in Argentina in August.

This was a strategically sound transaction employed by a franchise that has not hired a permanent head coach or sporting director since Bruce Arena resigned both positions in September while under an MLS investigation.

Chancalay debuted on Aug. 26 and quickly became the club’s top scoring option, supplanting Gustavo Bou, and Giacomo Vrioni during a tumultuous phase of the season. Chancalay scored six goals in 11 games that included two braces.

“Thomas performed admirably in his first season in New England and possesses both the natural attacking instincts and technical prowess to be an elite attacking talent in our league,” said Revolution interim sporting director Curt Onalfo.

RICH THOMPSON