The 2026 MLS season kicks off this weekend and lots has modified since Inter Miami CF received the MLS Cup in December.
The winter switch window in MLS formally opened on the finish of January and plenty of golf equipment have bolstered their squads with new signings.
Whereas the window remains to be open, we’ve taken a take a look at seven new signings we are able to’t wait to see within the MLS season.
James Rodriguez
Minnesota United pulled off arguably probably the most eye-catching transfer of the MLS offseason by signing Rodriquez on a free switch.
He agreed to a short-term deal that may run up till the 2026 World Cup, with the membership holding an possibility to increase his contract to December.
The previous Actual Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder arrives with some severe pedigree, having received two LaLiga titles, two Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues and a Europa League.
“I’ve been in high leagues, however I wished to play on this league,” Rodriguez mentioned in his introduction at Allianz Area. “When the possibility arose with this nice membership, issues had been progressing a bit slowly, nevertheless it occurred.
“Each side made an effort, and when a membership trusts you, it’s important to give it your all so everybody feels good. That’s why I’m right here, to assist and hopefully win issues.”
His transfer to America is the most recent cease in a journeyman profession that has additionally included stints at Everton, Al Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and Leon.
The Colombia worldwide has struggled with harm points in recent times, however nonetheless possesses loads of high quality. He was named the very best participant on the 2024 Copa America after which led CONMEBOL in assists throughout qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Timo Werner
Werner is the most recent German star to maneuver to the MLS, after Marco Reus and Thomas Müller joined LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps, respectively.
He had a bit-part function at RB Leipzig and has now joined San Jose Earthquakes, signing a contract by way of to June 2028.
“It’s all the time an enormous resolution to go to America, however the whole lot is there to achieve success,” Werner mentioned after finishing the transfer.
“The stadium and the services are lovely. Additionally, it actually impressed me that an skilled supervisor like Bruce [Arena], who has had a lot success within the league, flew over right here to Germany to speak to me in regards to the plan.
“The Earthquakes followers can anticipate to get a participant who offers the whole lot on the pitch, each sport. Each membership I’ve joined, I’ve wished to win a trophy. Ultimately, I’ve all the time delivered. That’s why I wish to come to San Jose — to win.”
Whereas his inventory has fallen in recent times, the franchise nonetheless referred to Werner as “the largest signing in Earthquakes historical past” in its official information launch.
The 29-year-old was a Champions League winner with Chelsea and can now be hoping to rediscover the shape from his first spell at RB Leipzig, the place he netted 95 targets in 159 appearances.
Facundo Torres
Austin FC went into the switch market trying to enhance an assault that has produced the fewest targets within the Western Convention in every of the final two seasons.
They recognized Torres as a high goal and forked out $9.5million to signal the winger from Palmeiras, making him the third-most costly signing within the membership’s historical past.
The Uruguay worldwide already possesses an unlimited quantity of MLS expertise, having spent three seasons with Orlando Metropolis from 2022-24.
He registered 37 targets and 15 assists in his 87 MLS appearances, whereas additionally scoring two targets within the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Ultimate to guide Orlando to their first trophy.
If the 25-year-old can have the same impression at Austin FC, that switch charge will quickly begin to really feel like a discount.
Mateusz Bogusz
Alongside Torres, Bogusz can also be a well-recognized identify to MLS followers.
The attacking midfielder scored 24 targets and registered 19 assists in a two-season stint at Los Angeles FC and helped the membership win their first-ever U.S. Open Cup title in 2024.
He joined Cruz Azul in January 2025 and lifted the Concacaf Champions Cup with the Mexican facet, scoring a purpose within the title-clinching win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
However the Poland worldwide wasn’t an everyday starter and has now determined to return to America, becoming a member of Houston Dynamo in a deal price an preliminary $6million plus an additional $4million in add-ons.
His creativity and penchant for scoring spectacular targets will make him a fan favorite at Shell Vitality Stadium, and the 24-year-old may push Houston again into the playoff image.
German Berterame
Regardless of profitable the MLS Cup, Inter Miami haven’t been resting on their laurels within the offseason as they bid for extra main honours in 2026.
MLS Goalkeeper of the Yr Dayne St. Clair arrived on a free switch, Sergio Reguilon and David Ayala have changed the retired Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, whereas Rodrigo de Paul’s mortgage transfer has been changed into a everlasting deal.
However Inter Miami’s most enjoyable transfer noticed them signal Berterame from Monterrey after triggering the $15million launch clause in his contract.
The striker netted 67 targets throughout all competitions in his three-and-a-half-year spell with the Mexican facet, together with three on the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup.
Whereas Inter Miami nonetheless have Luis Suarez on their books, the 39-year-old is firmly in his twilight years and should now be higher suited to a super-sub function.
Berterame’s arrival additionally reduces the goal-scoring burden on Lionel Messi, who performed as a false 9 on the finish of final season however is predicted to return into the No. 10 function.
With Messi supplying him with high quality service, the 25-year-old will undoubtedly be among the many favourites to win the MLS Golden Boot this season.
Stephen Eustaquio
Following the summer season signing of Son Heung-Min, LAFC had been some of the in-form sides within the MLS within the second half of final season.
They’ve since bolstered their midfield choices by signing Eustaquio from Porto on an preliminary mortgage deal, which incorporates an possibility to purchase for round $7million.
He fell out of favour underneath Francesco Farioli however has revamped 150 appearances for the Portuguese facet, representing them within the Champions League and the Europa League in addition to final summer season’s FIFA Membership World Cup.
The 29-year-old additionally received the Canada Soccer Participant of the Yr award in 2023 and shall be their vice-captain at this summer season’s World Cup.
He may nonetheless be enjoying in Europe’s high leagues and was lately linked with a transfer to Celta Vigo, making this deal a formidable coup for LAFC.
Ezekiel Alladoh
Whereas the MLS has typically been considered as a retirement dwelling, a whole lot of sides now want to signal younger expertise as an alternative of veteran worldwide stars.
Philadelphia Union are an important instance, they usually’ve paid a club-record $4.5million to signal Alladoh, who emerged as a scorching prospect in his 12 months at Swedish facet IF Brommapojkarna.
The 20-year-old striker has beforehand been linked with Wolves, Crystal Palace, Leicester Metropolis and Membership Brugge, however will now proceed his improvement underneath freshly topped MLS Coach of the Yr Bradley Carnell.
“Ezekiel is a gifted younger striker who has proven encouraging potential in a aggressive European league,” Carnell mentioned.
“His tempo, directness, and vertical motion present a powerful basis, and at 6’3” he brings power and an simple presence to the place.
“His work charge and high-level mentality align nicely with our system, and we’re excited to welcome him to Philadelphia as he continues to develop his sport.”
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