MLS Transfers 2025/26: Biggest Moves and Roster Updates

As MLS clubs prepare for the 2026 season, the transfer market has already brought several significant moves and roster updates. Here’s a breakdown of the most important transfers, followed by a concise overview of other key changes.

🔝 Top 5 Most Significant MLS Transfers / Extensions

• Lionel Messi extends Inter Miami contract through 2028. A huge boost for Inter Miami and MLS visibility.
• Philadelphia Union acquire Ezekiel Alladoh for a record fee. Expected to make immediate impact in attack.
• LAFC signs Hugo Lloris to a contract extension. Secures top goalkeeper and leadership for the club.
• FC Cincinnati permanently acquire Brenner from Udinese. Adds instant firepower to the attack.
• Chicago Fire permanently acquire André Franco from Porto. Strengthens attacking options for 2026.

📋 Other Notable Roster Updates

Contract Extensions / Returns

• LAFC: Ryan Hollingshead, Timothy Tillman, Nathan Ordaz, Sergi Palencia
• Inter Miami: Yannick Bright, David Ruíz, Noah Allen
• New York City FC: Matt Freese
• Chicago Fire: Chris Mueller, Jeffrey Gal, Jonathan Dean
• San Jose Earthquakes: Daniel Munie, Preston Judd
• Real Salt Lake: DeAndre Yedlin
• Austin FC: Brad Stuver
• St. Louis CITY: Roman Bürki

New Signings / Acquisitions

• Nashville SC: Maxwell Woledzi (defender, Ghana)
• Chicago Fire: Mbekezeli Mbokazi (defender, South Africa), Anton Salétros (midfielder, Sweden)
• Austin FC: Ervin Torres (homegrown midfielder)
• Sporting Kansas City: Cielo Tschantret (homegrown midfielder)
• CF Montréal: Félix Samson (homegrown defender)
• DC United: Oscar Avilez (homegrown forward)
• San Diego FC: Oscar Verhoeven, Luca Bombino (permanent transfers)
• Orlando City: Wilder Cartagena

Departures / Options Declined / Retirements

• Philadelphia Union: Mikael Uhre
• LA Galaxy: Fagúndez in talks, Nascimento returns
• NYC FC: Justin Haak, Maxi Moralez
• Colorado Rapids: Andreas Maxsø option declined
• DC United: Christian Benteke option declined
• Austin FC: Julio Cascante, Diego Rubio
• Toronto FC: Sean Johnson option declined
• San Jose Earthquakes: Cristian Espinoza
• Seattle Sounders: Stefan Frei, Paul Rothrock
• Atlanta United: Brooks Lennon
• Orlando City: Pedro Gallese, César Araújo
• Inter Miami: Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retire

Internal Updates / Negotiations

• Minnesota United: St. Clair, Lod in talks; Joaquín Pereyra contract extension
• Charlotte FC: Wilfried Zaha & Pep Biel remain for 2026; Brandt Bronico contract extension
• Portland Timbers: Crépeau enters free agency, Chara returns
• Columbus Crew: Steven Moreira, Jacen Russell-Rowe options exercised
• FC Dallas: Sebastian Lletget & Pedrinho depart

Internal Updates / Negotiations

• Minnesota United: St. Clair, Lod in talks; Joaquín Pereyra contract extension
• Charlotte FC: Wilfried Zaha & Pep Biel remain for 2026; Brandt Bronico contract extension
• Portland Timbers: Crépeau enters free agency, Chara returns
• Columbus Crew: Steven Moreira, Jacen Russell-Rowe options exercised
• FC Dallas: Sebastian Lletget & Pedrinho depart