The final iteration of the MLS season as we know it is upon us, with the season sliding its way back into the soccer ether on Saturday, February 21st. New faces on a soccer squad often bring unsubstantiated energy and expectations not only to the pitch but also to the locker room and stands. Conversely, watching reliable players set sail for greener pastures can conjure uncertainty and pessimism geared towards management and what they are actually trying to build.
Depending on the names and skill levels attached to these faces, feelings of optimism or concern will intensify, forcing these fanbases to make snap decisions about whether to root for or jeer at these integral squad pieces that indirectly dictate their weekly happiness.
Let’s take a look at one big arrival and one big departure for every MLS team, saying sayonara to the persona non grata and qué paso to the recently desired.
Atlanta United FC
Incoming – Tomás Jacob (21), Center Back – Signed from Necaxa (€4.3m)
Usually making the most of his talents at right back or defensive midfield, Jacob is a physically imposing 6’2” utility defender with elite tackling statistics who prioritizes defensive stability over offensive production. Though occasionally mistake-prone, he is a high-aggression, high-pace, versatile defender with a high ceiling who can neutralize top-tier wingers.
Outgoing – Bartosz Slisz (26) Center Midfielder – Signed with Brøndby IF (€3.0m)
The highly consistent, high-work-rate engine powering Bartosz Slisz makes this move difficult to stomach. Financially, the move to Brøndby represents a calculated risk for Atlanta United, as it will recoup their investment and free up salary space for tactical refreshes. However, unless a suitable replacement emerges, Slisz’s persistent defensive coverage will be absent, exacerbating Atlanta’s midfield instability and putting more pressure on an already-struggling backline.
Austin FC
Incoming – Facundo Torres (25) Right Winger – Signed from Palmeiras (€8.0m)
A proven MLS scorer, Torres brings his “silky” technical skill and high-pressing energy to Austin after a brief stint at Palmeiras. Flamboyant playmaking and tactical versatility make Torres a premier attacking threat, and his creativity with his left foot far outweighs his lack of elite physical strength or any skill with his right foot.
Outgoing – Osman Bukari (27) Right Winger – Signed with Widzew Lodz (€5.5m)
Primarily driven by family visa complications rather than poor performance, Bukari’s record-breaking move to Widzew Łódź will leave fans wondering what could have been. Austin FC loses its most explosive transition threat, a role many hope Torres can seamlessly step into as a goal contributor from the outset.
CF Montréal
Incoming – Brayan Vera (26) Centre-Back – Signed from Real Salt Lake (€1.03m)
Vera is a versatile, left-footed defender renowned for his “thunderous” long-range shooting and no-nonsense tackling. He offers both center-back stability and left-back flexibility, but his fiery temperament often leads to multiple bookings.
Outgoing – Dante Sealy (22) Right Winger – Signed with Colorado Rapids (€1.6m)
Sealy wasted no time jumping ship to Colorado for a record $1.9 million in GAM after his breakout nine-goal season in Montréal. His future success greatly depends on maintaining his scoring form and improving his defensive work rate, something Montréal clearly wasn’t sold on.
Charlotte FC
Incoming – Luca de la Torre (28) Central Midfield – Signed from Celta de Vigo (€300k)
De la Torre’s ability to dribble the ball vertically, combined with his highly accurate passing, made him the perfect signing for Charlotte. Any positive progression from his 5-goal breakout season with San Diego would be the cherry on top for this under-the-radar signing.
Outgoing – Drake Callender (28) Goalkeeper – Signed with Minnesota (€380k)
A surplus situation in Charlotte allowed Minnesota to snag a championship-caliber keeper at a discount. While this is certainly a low-risk, high-reward move for the Loons, for Callender, it’s his best chance to prove to Poch that he still belongs in the USMNT conversation.
Chicago Fire FC
Incoming – Anton Salétros (29) Central Midfield– Signed from AIK (€2.7m)
A technically gifted, left-footed central midfielder, Salétros is a seasoned Swedish international who combines elite passing and set-piece ability with high-energy defensive work. His leadership, physical durability, and unassuming playmaking will make him a versatile, high-impact addition.
Outgoing – Brian Gutiérrez (22) Attacking Midfield – Signed with Chivas (€4.25m)
Gutiérrez’s $5 million move to Chivas was hardly shocking, given his high-profile international switch from the USMNT to Mexico. Although Chicago secured significant reinvestment funds, it leaves a gaping hole where their most creative homegrown talent once stood.
Colorado Rapids
Incoming – Hamzat Ojediran (22) Defensive Midfield – Signed from Lens (€3.0m)
Ojediran is an explosive, high-energy defensive midfielder known for his “elite mentality” and defensive discipline. With a knack for breaking up plays and stopping counterattacks, the Nigerian midfielder’s European experience and physical presence will make him a centerpiece of the Rapids’ midfield.
Outgoing – Cole Bassett (24) Attacking Midfield – Signed with Portland (€2.25m)
This is a win-now move for Portland and a rebuild-now move for Colorado. Portland acquires an elite domestic goal-scoring midfielder to fuel playoff aspirations, while Colorado gains the financial flexibility to go buy something new.
Columbus Crew
Incoming – Wessam Abou Ali (26) Centre-Forward – Signed from Al Ahly (€6.4m)
Touted as a resilient, clinical striker, Abou Ali’s tenacity and elite movement enable him to excel in aerial duels and finish instinctively when close to the net. After awing the world with his “pure 9” ability in his historic hat-trick performance in the FIFA Club World Cup against Porto, the Crew desperately hopes this skill will quickly translate to the MLS field.
Outgoing – Jacen Russell-Rowe (23) Centre-Forward – Signed with Toulouse (€2.1m)
Once again, the Crew proved they can develop and sell talent. While Russell-Rowe makes his European move, the only downside is timing. His absence should be felt immediately during the early stages of the new Rydström era.
D.C. United
Incoming – Louis Munteanu (23) Centre-Forward – Signed from CFR Cluj (€6.0m)
The 23-year-old Romanian international is a former SuperLiga Golden Boot winner who combines high-percentage finishing with exceptional off-the-ball movement. D.C. United’s record-breaking Designated Player also contributes across all thirds of the field, with technical refinement and physical mobility. His versatile, modern attacking presence is capable of leading United’s line to a new goal-scoring frontier.
Outgoing – Christian Benteke (35) Centre-Forward – Free Transfer with Al-Wahda
Denying the club option on Benteke wasn’t personal. It was about prioritizing the future over the past. While Benteke’s individual brilliance was undeniable over his four seasons in the nation’s capital, his physical decline and high cost made him a luxury a last-place team couldn’t afford.
FC Cincinnati
Incoming – Bryan Ramírez (25) Right Winger – Signed from LDU Quito (€2.6m)
A standout in the 2025 Copa Libertadores, Ramírez balances “attacking creativity” with relentlessness off the ball. Physically agile and comfortable across multiple systems, he has a “winning personality” and is comfortable in various positions, making him a premier replacement for Cincinnati’s recent departures.
Outgoing – Álvaro Barreal (25) Left Winger – Signed with Santos (€3.41m)
Álvaro Barreal’s $4 million permanent transfer to Santos concludes a successful multi-year loan stint in Brazil, making the best kind of impact a player who has not worn a team kit in two seasons can. It is hard to get annoyed at profiting off a player who, for all intents and purposes, was never going to return.
FC Dallas
Incoming – Ran Binyamin (21) Central Midfield – Signed from Hapoel Tel Aviv (€1.49m)
A standout for Israel’s youth national teams, Binyamin combines elite aerial ability with a prolific eye for goal, posting 14 goal contributions in 2024-25. His “beast-like” motor has coaches primarily playing him as a Central Midfielder, but he has the tactical flexibility to play as a 6 or even move wide as a Right/Left Midfielder.
Outgoing – Luciano Acosta (31) Attacking Midfield – Signed with Fluminense (€3.4m)
Luciano Acosta’s transfer to Fluminense ends his legendary MLS tenure despite a disappointing spell with FC Dallas last season. The league not only loses a premier playmaker but also misses out on a potential USMNT 2026 contributor in his prime.
Houston Dynamo FC
Incoming – Mateusz Bogusz (24) Attacking Midfield – Signed from CD Cruz Azul (€5.5m)
Bogusz looks to pick up right where he left off as a central creator or goal-scoring winger in his return to the MLS. Utilizing his excellent ball manipulation in tight spaces, he is right at home as a Number 10, but is equally dangerous as a Winger or a Second Striker. His determined mentality and proven scoring record at LAFC and Cruz Azul will make him a centerpiece of Houston’s season aspirations.
Outgoing – Brooklyn Raines (20) Central Midfield – Signed with New England (€1.35m)
New England wins big by acquiring a high-upside domestic starter who perfectly fits their new manager’s system. Houston gets a strong financial return but loses the “crown jewel” of their academy. It’s a trade that could shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference midfield.
Inter Miami CF
Incoming – Germán Berterame (27) Centre-Forward – Signed from Monterrey (€12.6m)
Berterame is a prolific finisher with elite aerial ability and high-volume shooting, providing Miami’s attack with a reliable No. 9. His speed, stamina, and consistency should complement and benefit from Messi’s creativity.
Outgoing – Jordi Alba (36) Left-Back & Sergio Busquets (37) Defensive Midfield – Retired
The retirements of Alba and Busquets force Inter Miami to transition from tactical nostalgia to athletic modernization. By freeing up DP slots, the club is replacing Alba’s overlapping creativity and Busquets’ tempo control with faster, high-pressing alternatives, such as Sergio Reguilón and Rodrigo De Paul, to support Messi.
Los Angeles FC
Incoming – Amin Boudri (21) Attacking Midfield – Signed from GAIS (€3.3m)
A rare “creator-scorer” hybrid, Bourdi also excels at navigating tight spaces, making him a primary engine for transition play. He is also incredibly versatile, capable of playing as a No. 8 or 10, and can even play as a left winger. Traversing the European soccer landscape since age 16, Bourdi possesses a high degree of independence and resilience, enabling him to navigate high-pressure environments and adapt quickly to new situations.
Outgoing – Luca Bombino (19) Left-Back – Signed with San Diego (€173k)
San Diego identified an undervalued academy prospect, gave him a platform to shine, and then locked him down as a foundational piece of their defense. For LAFC, it’s a rare miss in talent retention, essentially developing and then handing over a future league star to an in-state rival.
Los Angeles Galaxy
Incoming – João Klauss (28) Centre-Forward – Signed from St. Louis City (€2.0m)
Klauss is a high-volume shooter with elite poaching instincts. He is also one of the league’s most effective aerial threats, ranking in the 82nd percentile for aerial duels won and frequently scoring from headers. While he thrives in high-stakes moments, he is often considered a “hot-and-cold” player whose peaks are among the best in the league.
Outgoing – Diego Fagúndez (30) Left Winger – End of Contract, No Current Team
In a game of “contractual chicken,” the Galaxy tried to retain Fagúndez at a lower price, while Fagúndez sought the security of a multi-year deal. If they reach an agreement, it’s a win for roster depth. If he signs elsewhere, the Galaxy will have a massive hole in their veteran leadership and tactical versatility.
Minnesota United FC
Incoming – James Rodríguez (34) Attacking Midfield – Free Transfer from León
A left-foot specialist, Rodríguez uses this rarely imprecise tool for shooting, set pieces, and long-range switches. Even at 34, James remains one of the most gifted passers in soccer history. Despite a history of muscle injuries and a lack of top speed, his vast experience and “clutch” mentality make him a game-changing creative hub.
Outgoing – Joseph Rosales (25) Left-Back – Signed with Austin (€1.28m)
While the transfer delivers a significant financial return for Minnesota United, the Loons lose a core, multi-positional veteran. Although they say goodbye to a player who appeared 128 times for the club, the move allows the Loons to focus on Anthony Markanich, who pushed Rosales for minutes late in 2025, while reinvesting the cash elsewhere.
Nashville SC
Incoming – Maxwell Woledzi (24) Centre-Back – Signed from Fredrikstad (€1.3m)
Woledzi is not a traditional “clear-it-out” defender, renowned for his ability to break the initial line of pressure by carrying the ball into midfield. In Norway, he primarily played as the left-sided center-back in a back three, covering vast distances and serving as both a defender and a wide midfield cover. He possesses a tireless engine and is physically capable of battling larger strikers.
Outgoing - Jonathan Pérez (23) Left Winger – Signed with Chivas (€2.52m)
Nashville treated Pérez like a high-growth stock, investing in him when his price was low and then flipping him at his absolute peak. It’s a brilliant financial move that benefits a player who desperately wanted to play for his childhood club. However, Nashville must now ensure its depth behind free transfer Cristian Espinoza is sufficient to handle a crowded 2026 schedule.
New England Revolution
Incoming – Dor Turgeman (21) Centre-Forward – Signed from M. Tel Aviv (€4.7m)
A major reinforcement for New England’s frontline, Turgeman is a “natural finisher” who, unlike traditional stationary targets, has “soft feet” and high agility, allowing him to create for himself. Having come from a competitive environment in Israel and having featured in both Europa League and Champions League qualifiers, he understands the tactical discipline required for high-pressing systems.
Outgoing - Tomás Chancalay (26) Left Winger – Signed with Minnesota (€85k)
This transfer was a divorce of convenience. New England needed the DP slot more than a struggling winger, and Minnesota needed a cheap offensive wildcard.
New York City FC
Incoming – Talles Magno (23) Left Winger – End of Loan from Corinthians
Magno, a classic Brazilian winger with “Neymar-esque” flair, thrives in 1v1 situations, using step-overs and body feints to beat defenders. While he can play as a striker, his most effective role is on the left wing, where he cuts inside onto his stronger right foot to curl shots or thread reverse passes. Magno returns to an NYCFC side that looks very different from the one he left, now competing for minutes with Hannes Wolf and Agustín Ojeda.
Outgoing - Justin Haak (24) Centre-Back – Free Transfer with LA Galaxy
In a bold, ambitious move, Haak trades comfort and a higher paycheck for a at becoming a transformative figure in Los Angeles. If he fixes the Galaxy’s defense, he’ll be an MLS star. If the Galaxy’s defensive struggles persist, he may regret leaving the stable, winning culture of NYCFC.
New York Red Bulls
Incoming – Jorge Ruvalcaba (24) Left Winger – Signed from UNAM Pumas (€5.5m)
A right-footed winger who uses quick bursts down the left flank to beat defenders, Ruvalcaba is a threat in transition and proficient at cutting inside to unleash shots or deliver crosses. With World Cup ambitions driving him, the Mexican international sets the tone with his effort and will serve as a centerpiece of Michael Bradley’s revamped New York attack.
Outgoing - Noah Eile (23) Centre-Back – Signed with Bristol City (€4.0m)
Eile’s elite distribution and consistency over two seasons in New York were rewarded with a club-record transfer fee. His departure, parlayed with the transfers of Sean Nealis and Alexander Hack, leaves New York’s backline practically decimated, with its entire 2025 starting core gone. Replacing a 6’5” ballhawk anchor like Eile with mere weeks before the season opener is a massive gamble.
Orlando City SC
Incoming – Tiago (20) Left Winger – Signed from EC Bahia (€3.4m
A dynamic 1v1 specialist with elite speed, Tiago excels at exploiting gaps in the opposition’s defensive line during transitions. Normally highly effective in isolated situations on the wing, the Brazilian uses his creativity and speed to dribble past and around defenders, making him an immediate threat to Orlando’s offense.
Outgoing - Alex Freeman (21) Right-Back – Signed with Villarreal (€3.5m)
Son of NFL legend Antonio Freeman, Alex proved he was too big for MLS in 2025. A move to the much faster La Liga should test Freeman’s ability to the fullest and possibly raise his stock in Poch’s eyes for a World Cup starting role.
Philadelphia Union
Incoming – Ezekiel Alladoh (20) Centre-Forward – Signed from Brommapojkarna (€3.9m)
Alladoh is a physically imposing striker who uses his 6’3” brick-wall frame to shield the ball with his back to the goal, allowing teammates to join the attack. Unlike static target men, Alladoh also runs the channels well and is not afraid to participate in vertical transition play—a core tenet of the Union’s tactical identity.
Outgoing - Kai Wagner (28) Left-Back– Signed with Birmingham (€2.5m)
After seven seasons in Philly, Wagner finally gets the move to England he has openly sought for years. For Philly, 10+ assists a year from the left-back position won’t just fall from the sky. Only time will tell who can fill his absence on the backline and as a leader.
Portland Timbers
Incoming – Cole Bassett (24) Attacking Midfield – Signed from Colorado (€2.25m)
A “late arrival” specialist, Basset lives for timing late runs from midfield into the penalty area to finish crosses or pounce on loose balls. Armed with the ability to finish with both feet, the US international is a high-volume shooter for a midfielder, recording 31 goals and 23 assists during his tenure in Colorado. Although his best role is a No. 8, he has successfully played as a Deep-Lying Playmaker or even a Wide Midfielder.
Outgoing – David Ayala (23) Defensive Midfield – Signed with Inter Miami (€1.7 m)
Ayala was one of the few bright spots in a turbulent 2025 for Portland. Losing a U22 standout who was just entering his prime—and selling him to a direct league rival—is a jagged little pill for the Timbers’ fanbase to swallow.
Real Salt Lake City
Incoming – Morgan Guilavogui (27) Right Winger – Signed from Lens (€5.0m)
A 6’2” Guinean international with Champions League and Bundesliga experience, Guilavogui is a multifaceted forward who can lead the line as a striker or operate as a high-volume winger on either flank. Additionally, he possesses “eliteness in the air,” frequently winning aerial battles to provide flick-ons or direct goal threats from set pieces.
Outgoing - Brayan Vera (26) Centre-Back – Signed with CF Montréal (€1.03m)
Vera became a fan favorite in Utah for his “thundercat” left foot and will now be a high-value “roster stabilizer” for Montréal. While RSL walks away with a decent pile of allocation money to look toward the future, Montréal lands a sophisticated, modern defender to lead their new era.
San Diego FC
Incoming – Onni Valakari (26) Attacking Midfield – Signed from Pafos (€1.5m)
Valakari is an elegant, left-footed attacking midfielder who shines at finding the final pass, ranking near the top of the league in “progressive passes” and “chances created” last season on loan with San Diego. By making the move permanent, San Diego locks in the talented midfielder at a very friendly price through the end of the abbreviated 2027 winter/spring season.
Outgoing - Paddy McNair (30) Centre-Back – Free Transfer with Hull City
This move was driven by the McNairs’ desire to return to the intensity of English football. San Diego FC acted pragmatically by letting an aging, high-earning veteran leave for a team where he’d be a primary starter, but they’ve sacrificed a significant amount of “know-how” from their locker room in doing so.
San Jose Earthquakes
Incoming – Timo Werner (29) Centre-Forward – Free Transfer from Leipzig
Timo’s career has been marked by high-volume scoring (153 professional goals) but also by notable spells of low confidence in front of goal. He played only 3 matches in 25/26 for Leipzig, so immediate form should not be expected out of the gate. However, signs of elite speed still linger, giving many hope that Werner can rediscover his scoring touch to fill the gaping holes left by the Quakes’ departed playmakers.
Outgoing - Cristian Arango (30) Centre-Forward – Loan to Atl. Nacional (€420k)
Chico’s sudden loan to Atlético Nacional comes as a shock following his recent contract extension with San Jose. While the move respects Arango’s personal desire to return to Colombia and frees up resources to sign Timo Werner, it leaves the Earthquakes’ attack fractured and raises grave concerns about roster stability.
Seattle Sounders FC
Incoming – Nikola Petković (22) Central Midfield – Loan Transfer from Charlotte
Petković is a natural deep-lying central midfielder, but he also possesses the vision and technique to pass through defensive lines. Scrambling for minutes with Charlotte’s senior and Next Level squads, the Serbian international adapted to many positions, forcing him to learn various tactics and sustain intense play for extended periods.
Outgoing - Obed Vargas (20) Central Midfield – Signed from Atlético (€3.0m)
While larger offers came in from Liga MX for the Mexican international, the Sounders honored Vargas’s desire to play in Europe by accepting a significantly discounted offer from Atlético. A generous sell-on clause will keep Seattle fans invested in his success, but a duffle bag full of what-ifs will follow this transfer as well.
Sporting Kansas City
Incoming – Calvin Harris (25) Right Winger – Free Transfer from Colorado
Born in England, raised in Hong Kong and New Zealand before playing at Wake Forest, Harris’s diverse background has shaped his highly adaptable, mature personality. Excellent at poaching goals at the back post, he has also improved his crossing and is showing a better understanding of when to drive to the end line rather than cut inside.
Outgoing - Erik Thommy (32) Attacking Midfield – Free Transfer to LA Galaxy
With Riqui Puig recovering from a long-term injury, the Galaxy needed someone who could provide “service on demand” during his season-long absence. Apparently, Thommy is their man. Sure, Thommy’s 20 goals and 18 assists in Kansas City will be missed, but there can’t be much complaining in Kansas City if this is their biggest departure over the winter.
St. Louis CITY SC
Incoming – Conrad Wallem (25) Right Midfield – Signed from Slavia Praha (€2.0m)
Wallem isn’t afraid to play any position. In 2025, he logged multiple minutes as a holding midfielder, a winger, and even an emergency right-back, creating 37 chances and delivering 64 crosses while traversing the pitch. With this permanent move to Missouri, Wallem will enter his prime during the length of his contract, impacting any and every area of the field he is asked to cover.
Outgoing - João Klauss (28) Centre-Forward – Signed with LA Galaxy (€2.0m)
As mentioned above, this is a major signing for the Galaxy if they hope to stay relevant this season. However, many will argue that St. Louis got the better of the “business” side of this deal.
Toronto FC
Incoming – Matheus Pereira (25) Left-Back – Signed from Santa Clara (€800k)
With an attack-first, defend-second approach, Pereira shows high competence with the ball and knows when to overlap to make the most of his runs. He has recorded 14 career assists to date and isn’t afraid to whip balls into the box, often with a low delivery or a cut back to the edge of the area rather than high, looping crosses. Because his defensive abilities are still a work in progress, the Brazilian defender relies more on his recovery speed than on physical strength to regain possession.
Outgoing - Sean Johnson (36) Goalkeeper – Free Transfer to D.C. United
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Johnson hopes playing every week in D.C. keeps him on Poch’s radar. As Toronto moves toward a younger, cheaper option, D.C. gains elite shot-stopping and veteran leadership.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Incoming – Bruno Caicedo (21) Left Winger – Signed from Barcelona SC (€1.1m)
Viewed as a “high-upside” project, Caicedo’s experience with Barcelona SC and Flamengo’s U-20s in Brazil has given him a strong tactical foundation. Expected to start as a rotational piece, the right-footed attacker will primarily play as a Left Winger, but will also feel at home on either flank or as a secondary striker. Despite recording 120 touches in the penalty area for Orense SC last year, his conversion rate leaves you wanting on most occasions, as he tallied only 3 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances.
Outgoing - Ali Ahmed (25) Left Midfield – Signed with Norwich (€2.0m)
While the transfer to Norwich City marks a major step for the Canadian international ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Ahmed’s departure from Vancouver removes one of their most creative ball-carriers in recent history. His parting, combined with the sale of Jayden Nelson, leaves Vancouver lacking in domestic “star power” and, more importantly, ball-carrying threats.
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