During the offseason, while there may not have been the high-profile trades fans are accustomed to, Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs have successfully signed significant international talents along with some returning players.
Atlanta United made headlines by acquiring striker Emmanuel Latte Lath for a record fee and re-signing Miguel Almirón from Newcastle.
Meanwhile, notable departures from the league occurred as well, such as Cucho Hernandez’s transfer to Spain’s Real Betis for $16 million after a successful tenure with the Columbus Crew.
Given that FIFA’s winter transfer window coincides with the MLS offseason, teams have been proactive in revamping their rosters.
However, international clubs, currently in the midst of their own seasons, may hesitate to release players, prompting discussions about reevaluating the MLS schedule.
As the league prepares to kick off its 30th season, several new additions are drawing attention:
Emmanuel Latte Lath has joined Atlanta United from English club Middlesbrough for an impressive $22 million.
In two seasons with the second-division team, he netted 29 goals in 67 appearances and emerged as the Championship’s leading scorer in the 2023-24 season with 16 goals.
The 26-year-old has agreed to a contract that extends to 2028 with an additional option for 2029.
FC Cincinnati bolstered its squad by acquiring forward Kévin Denkey from Cercle Brugge for $16.2 million.
The Togo native, who finished as the top scorer in Belgium’s top league with 27 goals in the 2023-24 season, has signed a designated player deal with Cincinnati valid until 2028, with an option for an extra year.
Austin FC signed Brandon Vazquez, a familiar figure who previously played for FC Cincinnati.
The 26-year-old striker entered a four-year agreement with Austin after moving from Monterrey in Mexico, where he recorded 14 goals during his last two seasons.
Vazquez returns to MLS after a four-year stint with Cincinnati and has earned caps with the U.S. men’s national team.
The New York Red Bulls welcomed 35-year-old forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who signed a two-year contract as a free agent.
His prior experience includes winning three Bundesliga championships and the FIFA Club World Cup with Bayern Munich.
After parting ways with Munich, he aims to provide crucial experience and guidance to a team that reached the MLS Cup final last year.
Wilfried Zaha has joined Charlotte FC on a loan from Turkey’s Galatasaray with the option to extend through June of next year.
Zaha, who boasts a decade of Premier League experience mainly with Crystal Palace, scored 90 goals and provided 52 assists during his tenure with the London club.
San Diego FC has signed Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano as its first designated player.
Previously with PSV Eindhoven, Lozano joined San Diego last month and contributed six goals and three assists in 24 matches during the 2023-24 season.
The 29-year-old from Mexico City has experience with Mexican club Pachuca, Italian team Napoli, and the Mexican national team.
Chicago Fire added winger Jonathan Bamba, who came from Spanish side Celta Vigo in a deal reported at around $2 million.
Signed through 2028, Bamba had a quieter spell at Celta with three goals in 39 appearances over two seasons and has previously played with the French club Lille.
He was also part of the Ivorian national team that won the Africa Cup of Nations last year.
Miguel Almirón is returning to Atlanta United after making a reported $10 million switch from Newcastle.
Almirón previously left Atlanta in 2019 for a stint in the Premier League, where he found success, particularly in the 2022-23 season with 11 goals.
Overall, he tallied 30 goals and 22 assists in 223 appearances across all competitions during his time in Europe.
Notably, Almirón was honored as the 2017 MLS Newcomer of the Year and played a pivotal role in helping Atlanta capture the MLS Cup the following year.
