MLS is back! Time to lock in.<\/p>\n
The offseason has been as hectic as ever with blockbuster signings and intra-league acquisitions galore.<\/p>\n
So let’s take a quick look at each club’s biggest moves and where they stand heading into the 2026 campaign.<\/p>\n
\n Overall outlook<\/p>\n
Atlanta<\/a> hope to celebrate like it’s 2018, hiring head coach Tata Martino and reuniting him with playmaker Miguel Almir\u00f3n<\/a> in a partnership that led the club to the MLS Cup title that year. Atlanta boast plenty of firepower for a strong resurgence following their 14th-place finish in the Eastern Conference last season.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Up-and-coming left back El\u00edas B\u00e1ez<\/a> was acquired from Argentine top-flight side San Lorenzo.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Legendary goalkeeper Brad Guzan retired after the 2025 season.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n The Verde & Black splashed the cash on former Orlando City<\/a> star Facundo Torres<\/a> as the club\u2019s newest Designated Player. Following their return to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs last year, accomplished in their first season under head coach Nico Est\u00e9vez, expectations are high in Austin.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Austin acquired Torres<\/a> from Palmeiras for a reported $9.5 million as the club\u2019s third DP alongside Brandon Vazquez<\/a> and Myrto Uzuni<\/a>. The Uruguay international could feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Former DP Osman Bukari was transferred<\/a> to Polish first division side Widzew \u0141\u00f3d\u017a for a reported $6.5m transfer fee.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Amid a busy offseason, Charlotte<\/a> fully acquired star DP Pep Biel<\/a> from Olympiacos while snagging USMNT<\/a> midfielder Luca de la Torre<\/a> from Celta de Vigo. Although standout center back Adilson Malanda departed, the Crown will look to keep challenging for trophies.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n After spending last season on loan with San Diego FC<\/a>, de la Torre joined Charlotte via a permanent transfer.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Following his record transfer to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough FC, Malanda officially departed for his new club this winter.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n In their first season under head coach Gregg Berhalter, Chicago<\/a> returned to the postseason for the first time since 2017. After scoring the second-most goals and conceding the sixth-most in 2025, they\u2019ve bolstered with signings from back to front as they aim to cement themselves as trophy contenders.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n In need of defensive reinforcements, the Fire signed 20-year-old\u00a0Mbekezeli Mbokazi<\/a> from South African Premiership side Orlando Pirates.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Homegrown midfielder Brian Guti\u00e9rrez<\/a> was transferred to LIGA MX side Chivas de Guadalajara for a reported $5 million transfer fee.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n FCC<\/a> filled holes in the transfer window by fully acquiring striker Ayoub Jabbari<\/a> and adding Bryan Ram\u00edrez<\/a>. Led by the lethal duo of perennial MVP candidate Evander<\/a> and club-record signing K\u00e9vin Denkey<\/a>, nothing short of silverware is satisfactory in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Expectedly replacing the outgoing Luca Orellano, Ram\u00edrez was acquired from Ecuadorian top-flight side LDU Quito.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Orellano, a former MLS All-Star, was transferred<\/a> to LIGA MX giants CF Monterrey for a multi-million dollar transfer fee.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n After Colorado<\/a> missed the playoffs last season, new head coach Matt Wells<\/a> plans to instill his vision of an aggressive, high-pressing style of play in Denver\u2019s testing altitude. The goals are ambitious, and that is exactly what Rapids diehards want to hear.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Hamzat Ojediran<\/a>, a former Nigerian youth international, was acquired from French Ligue 1 side RC Lens.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n The Rapids dealt homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett<\/a> to Portland<\/a> for up to $3.7 million.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Entering a transitional period following the prosperous Wilfried Nancy era, the Crew<\/a> aim to continue fighting for trophies under new head coach Henrik Rydstr\u00f6m<\/a>. They certainly have the squad to do so, boasting one of the league’s strongest attacking units led by Diego Rossi<\/a>, Wessam Abou Ali<\/a> and Max Arfsten<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Guinea international Sekou Bangoura<\/a> was signed from Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona, adding bite back to the Crew midfield.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Four-time MLS Cup champion Darlington Nagbe<\/a> retired as one of the greatest defensive midfielders in league history at the conclusion of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Spearheaded by Croatian international striker Petar Musa<\/a>, Dallas<\/a> buoyed their attack with the addition of Israeli youth international Ran Binyamin<\/a>. Still, until they sign a creative replacement for the departed former MLS MVP Luciano Acosta, questions remain.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Swedish international Herman Johansson<\/a> was acquired from Swedish first division champions Mj\u00e4llby AIF, bringing versatility and experience to Dallas.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Longtime goalkeeper Maarten Paes was transferred<\/a> to Eredivisie side Ajax after losing his starting job in Dallas at the tail end of the 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n After D.C. United<\/a> “won” the Wooden Spoon in 2025, newly appointed managing director of soccer operations Dr. Erkut Sogut wasted no time making big changes, acquiring All-Star Tai Baribo<\/a> and Romanian international Louis Munteanu<\/a> as their new DP striker pairing, while also solidifying defensively. Safe to say the Black-and-Red are ready for a return to prominence.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n D.C. broke their club transfer record<\/a> with a reported $10 million move for Munteanu from top-flight side CFR Cluj in his native country.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n 2024 MLS Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke had his contract option declined at the conclusion of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Houston<\/a> were extremely active team during this winter transfer window, signing DPs Guilherme<\/a> and Mateusz Bogusz<\/a> while bringing back legendary Mexican international H\u00e9ctor Herrera<\/a>. That\u2019s not to mention notable signings of Agustin Bouzat<\/a>, Lucas Halter<\/a> and more. The Western Conference has been put on notice.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Bogusz pushed for the move to Houston from LIGA MX powerhouse Cruz Azul, and Houston happily paid one of the largest transfer fees in club history (reportedly $10 million).<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n In a deal worth up to $2m, Houston homegrown and highly-rated US youth international Brooklyn Raines<\/a> was traded to the New England Revolution<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n SKC<\/a> are in rebuild mode after 12 players departed at the end of last season. David Lee was hired as president of soccer operations & general manager and brought in Raphael Wicky<\/a> as the club’s head coach. Yet with only 21 players currently on the 2026 roster, there is still work to be done to round out the squad and avoid a consecutive last-place finish in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Just three days before Matchday 1, SKC signed Norway international midfielder Lasse Berg Johnsen<\/a> from Malm\u00f6 FF.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Veteran midfielder Erik Thommy<\/a> saw his contract expire at the end of the 2025 season. He’s since signed for the LA Galaxy<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n One of the MLS Cup favorites in 2026, LAFC<\/a> enter the season with a distinct Canadian flair. The Black & Gold promoted Canuck Marc dos Santos<\/a> to head coach, fully acquired Canadian midfielder Mathieu Choini\u00e8re<\/a>, and signed compatriots Jacob Shaffelburg<\/a> and Stephen Eust\u00e1quio<\/a>. Expectations are sky-high with the prolific duo of Denis Bouanga<\/a> and Son Heung-Min<\/a> leading the charge.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Rounding out the Black & Gold\u2019s Canadian revolution, midfielder Stephen Eust\u00e1quio joined on loan<\/a> from FC Porto with a purchase option.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n After spending last season on loan with their SoCal neighbors, Luca Bombino<\/a> made the move to San Diego FC permanent<\/a> for up to $1.1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM).<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n An exciting offseason was dealt a blow when star playmaker Riqui Puig<\/a> tore his ACL for a second time. The Galaxy wasted little time adding reinforcements, investing in elite defensive-minded players Jakob Glesnes<\/a> and Justin Haak<\/a>, and acquiring DP Jo\u00e3o Klauss<\/a>. With the Brazilian striker joining Gabriel Pec<\/a>, Joseph Paintsil<\/a> and Marco Reus<\/a> in attack, LA will attempt to bounce back from their penultimate finish in the West last season.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Immediately filling their DP slot vacated by Puig, the Galaxy paid St. Louis CITY $2.375 million to add Klauss to their front line.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Veteran midfielder Diego Fag\u00fandez had his contract option declined following the 2025 season.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Following the retirement of legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, the Herons<\/a> expertly retooled, signing Sergio Reguil\u00f3n<\/a>, Dayne St. Clair<\/a> and Germ\u00e1n Berterame<\/a>, among a laundry list of other elite acquisitions. It all means one thing: Lionel Messi<\/a> and Miami are favorites to repeat as MLS Cup champions heading into the 2026 season.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n After reportedly seeing a similar bid rejected for LAFC winger Denis Bouanga, Miami acquired Berterame<\/a> from LIGA MX powerhouse CF Monterrey for a reported $15 million.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Spanish icons Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets hung up their boots following the 2025 campaign, walking off into the sunset as MLS Cup champions.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n After losing reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair as well as head coach Eric Ramsay in the offseason, Minnesota<\/a> made perhaps the league’s biggest splash, acquiring Colombian superstar James Rodr\u00edguez<\/a>. Will his addition, alongside fellow playmaker Joaqu\u00edn Pereyra<\/a> and striker Kelvin Yeboah<\/a>, vault the Loons toward the top of the West under newly promoted head coach Cameron Knowles<\/a>?<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n MNUFC executed the blockbuster move of the MLS offseason, adding James<\/a> without utilizing a DP slot.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n St. Clair, the Canadian international ‘keeper, joined MLS Cup champions Inter Miami as a free agent.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n After finishing 13th in the East last season, Montr\u00e9al<\/a> are rebuilding under new head coach Marco Donadel with a clear focus on adding MLS experience through a variety of intra-league acquisitions. Will the increased league know-how be enough for Montr\u00e9al to return to the playoffs?<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Brayan Vera<\/a>, a former Colombian international and veteran MLS defender, was acquired for up to $1.55 million GAM from Real Salt Lake<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Montr\u00e9al cashed in on Trinidad & Tobago international Dante Sealy<\/a>, sending the winger to Colorado for up to $2.5m GAM.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n One of the most dangerous attacks in MLS became even more frightening as free agent Cristian Espinoza<\/a> teamed up with fellow DPs Hany Mukhtar<\/a> and Sam Surridge<\/a> in Nashville. After lifting their first trophy in club history last season, winning the US Open Cup<\/a>, the Coyotes are back on the hunt in 2026.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Espinoza, the San Jose Earthquakes<\/a>‘ all-time assist leader, signed with Nashville as his destination of choice in free agency.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Two-time MLS Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman<\/a> joined Toronto FC<\/a> in free agency after his contract expired in Nashville.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n The American youth movement is underway in Foxborough, as newly appointed former USYNT manager Marko Mitrovi\u0107<\/a> swooped on three of his former players: Ethan Kohler<\/a>, Brooklyn Raines and Griffin Yow<\/a>. Will the youth renaissance around veteran No. 10 Carles Gil<\/a> be enough to send the Revolution<\/a> back to the playoffs after a two-year drought?<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Raines, a 20-year-old Dynamo homegrown midfielder, was acquired<\/a> for up to $2 million in a U22 initiative deal.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n The Revs freed up a DP slot by trading winger Tom\u00e1s Chancalay<\/a> to Minnesota for $100,000.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n The Red Bulls<\/a> got a front-office refresh, elevating Julian de Guzman<\/a> to head of sport and naming Michael Bradley<\/a> head coach. This follows the club’s league-record, 15-year playoff streak ending. RBNY have subsequently brought in key signings like Cade Cowell<\/a> and Jorge Ruvalcaba<\/a>, signaling a shift to a new playing style under Bradley after he led the club’s reserves to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro<\/a> title.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Ruvalcaba, a Mexican international winger, was signed from LIGA MX side Pumas UNAM as the club\u2019s third DP alongside Emil Forsberg<\/a> and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Standout center back Noah Elie was transferred<\/a> to EFL Championship side Bristol City for a reported $4.5 million fee.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n After an attempted move for Malian striker Moussa Sylla fell through due to a failed medical, last season\u2019s Eastern Conference finalists will hope Nicol\u00e1s Fern\u00e1ndez Mercau<\/a> can continue to provide the goals missing without injured striker Alonso Mart\u00ednez<\/a>. NYCFC<\/a>‘s defense is in safe hands as USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese<\/a> aims to secure the starting job at this summer’s World Cup with continued standout performances in sky blue.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Australian international defender Kai Trewin<\/a> was acquired from City Football Group affiliate side Melbourne City FC in the Australian A-League.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Breakout defender turned midfielder Justin Haak was out of contract at the end of the 2025 season, choosing to join the LA Galaxy<\/a> via free agency.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n The reigning Supporters\u2019 Shield winners replaced last season’s top scorer Tai Baribo with club-record signing Ezekiel Alladoh<\/a>, while bringing in Japhet Sery Larsen<\/a> in place of Jakob Glesnes. Turnover or not, the goal remains the same for the Union<\/a> in 2026: lift the club\u2019s first MLS Cup.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Alladoh, a Ghanaian striker reportedly acquired for $4.5 million, intends to replace the goals lost with the departures of Baribo and Mikael Uhre.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Three-time MLS All-Star and two-time Best XI fullback Kai Wagner was transferred<\/a> to EFL Championship side Birmingham City.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Premium roster spots have been shuffled in Portland, where Cole Bassett replaced David Ayala<\/a> as a U22 initiative midfielder, and the Timbers waived and exercised a contract buyout on DP Jonathan Rodr\u00edguez<\/a>. That leaves the club with flexibility to swing big on their next premier acquisition to support remaining DPs David Da Costa<\/a> and Kristoffer Velde<\/a> in their quest for a third-straight playoff appearance.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Bassett, a Rapids homegrown, was acquired<\/a> via the U22 initiative for a guaranteed $2.65 million (up to $3.7m), solidifying the midfield for years to come with MLS-proven talent.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n David Ayala was traded<\/a> to Inter Miami for up to $2.15m, freeing up the U22 slot for Bassett.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Turnover was the name of the game in Salt Lake<\/a>, with double-digit incomings and outgoings this offseason. But ultimately, USMNT cult hero Diego Luna<\/a> remains the string-puller at the heart of everything in midfield. One of only two teams in MLS to qualify for playoffs each of the past five seasons, RSL intend to extend that streak.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Morgan Guilavogui<\/a>,\u00a0a Guinean international striker, arrived from French Ligue 1 side RC Lens to replace Rwan Cruz as RSL\u2019s newest DP for a reported $5m transfer fee.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Midfield terrier Braian Ojeda was traded<\/a> to Orlando City in a deal worth up to $1.775 million GAM.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n After topping the Western Conference regular-season table in the best-ever expansion season, SDFC are looking to run it back without DP Chucky Lozano<\/a>, who is \u201cnot in the club\u2019s plans\u201d for 2026. Still, Frontera faithful should remain confident after fully acquiring multiple integral pieces from their expansion campaign to supplement the starpower of 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year Anders Dreyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n SDFC traded<\/a> for former\u00a0MLS Comeback Player of the Year Lewis Morgan<\/a> from RBNY in a deal worth up to $1.1 million in GAM.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Luca de la Torre\u2019s loan expired in San Diego before Charlotte FC permanently acquired the USMNT midfielder from Celta Vigo.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Two DPs out. One DP in. Among the double-digit departures from the Bay Area, Chicho Arango was loaned<\/a> out while club legend Cristian Espinoza\u2019s contract expired. Can the blockbuster addition of German forward Timo Werner<\/a> propel the Quakes back into the postseason under five-time MLS Cup-winning head coach Bruce Arena?<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Werner, a former UEFA Champions League winner, was acquired as the \u201cbiggest signing in Earthquakes history,\u201d according to the Quakes’ official press release.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Espinoza, the Quakes’ all-time assist leader, joined Nashville SC following his contract expiration in San Jose.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Cristian Roldan<\/a> will be working with a new partner in midfield following the retirement of club legend Jo\u00e3o Paulo and transfers of homegrowns Danny Leyva<\/a> and Obed Vargas<\/a>. Likely to be offseason signing\u00a0Hassani Dotson<\/a>, the midfield refresh will not affect Seattle<\/a>\u2019s continued expectation of competing at the very top of MLS, year in and year out.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Dotson, a veteran midfielder, arrived via free agency following his seven-season stint with Minnesota.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Vargas, who placed No. 1 on last season\u2019s 22 Under 22 rankings, earned his dream move<\/a> to Spanish LaLiga giant Atl\u00e9tico Madrid in a reported $3.5m-$4 million deal.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n St. Louis<\/a> underwent a front-office recharge with new sporting director Corey Wray<\/a> and head coach Yoanne Damet<\/a>. The resulting turnover was immediate as the club traded away DP Jo\u00e3o Klauss and oversaw another ten departures. Will the signings of Daniel Edelman<\/a>, Mamadou Mbacke Fall<\/a> and Lukas MacNaughton<\/a> be enough for CITY to return to the playoffs for the first time since their Western Conference-topping 2023 expansion campaign?<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Edelman, who placed No. 11 on the 2024 22 Under 22 list, was acquired from Red Bull New York for up to $850,000 in GAM.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n Klauss, the club\u2019s all-time leading scorer, was traded to the Galaxy for $2.375 million.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n In addition to shoring up their defense through acquisitions of Walker Zimmerman and Matheus Pereira<\/a>, Toronto have reportedly been chasing USMNT striker Josh Sargent in a blockbuster move from Norwich City. Should they get that deal over the line, it would help Canada\u2019s winningest club return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Zimmerman, a USMNT regular and two-time MLS Defender of the Year, was signed via free agency.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n MLS veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson was among seven players whose contract options were declined by Toronto at the conclusion of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n \n Overall outlook<\/p>\n Fresh off their best-ever season, which included inaugural trips to the MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> finals as well as a fourth consecutive Canadian Championship<\/a>, Vancouver<\/a> have high expectations for 2026. Several astute signings quell departure concerns as German icon Thomas M\u00fcller<\/a> prepares to lead the Whitecaps to more glory in his first full MLS season.<\/p>\n \n Biggest move<\/p>\n Senegalese international striker Cheikh Sabaly<\/a> was acquired from French side FC Metz shortly after guiding them to promotion to Ligue 1 and winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with his country.<\/p>\n \n Biggest exit<\/p>\n