Five MLS Teams Set to Make Major Moves in This Summer's Transfer Window
The 2025 MLS summer transfer period is approaching rapidly, with clubs preparing to strengthen their squads for the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs while also considering their extended strategic plans.
Some franchises utilize the summer window to enhance their rosters, while others not competing for titles view it as an opportunity to acquire players during Europe's off-season, allowing new signings to adapt during the campaign's final stages before concentrating on a robust beginning to the following season.
All 30 MLS franchises will likely engage in transfer activity during the window, but five organizations particularly stand out as potentially having the most transformative period between the opening on July 24 and closure on August 21.
5. Toronto FC
Toronto FC faces an open future ahead. Following mutual contract terminations with both Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, the franchise possesses substantial salary cap room and two complete Designated Player positions available. Additionally, Cassius Mailula seems unlikely to continue with the team after his loan move to Morocco's Wydad AC, providing TFC with U22 Initiative flexibility.
Toronto might transition from their three-DP structure to the 2-4-2 format to secure additional General Allocation Money and optimize their younger prospects with four U22 Initiative positions.
Nevertheless, any acquisition must consider long-term planning. The current supporting roster lacks the strength to construct around a DP presently, requiring the development of a fresh foundation.
General manager Jason Hernandez enjoys an exceptionally clean foundation to work from. However, with recent ownership transitions at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which controls Toronto FC, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and other entertainment assets, the capacity to sign high-profile stars might change moving forward.
4. Columbus Crew SC
Columbus Crew SC have found their rhythm lately with five consecutive undefeated matches, including four victories. Nevertheless, they haven't appeared as formidable as during their 2023 MLS Cup triumph and last year's Leagues Cup success, both campaigns driven by star forward Cucho Hérnandez.
After transferring Hérnandez to Real Betis before the season, head coach Wilfried Nancy promoted Jacen-Russell Rowe to a starting position, while the club acquired playmaker Danial Gázdag from Philadelphia Union.
Still, they haven't genuinely replaced Hérnandez's exceptional abilities and maintain an available DP position to address this need. Monitor this situation closely during the summer.
3. Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC appeared perfectly positioned before the season commenced. They possessed a reliable striker in Patrick Agyemang leading their attack and enhanced their midfield quality by adding superstar winger Wilfred Zaha. However, circumstances haven't developed as expected, with Agyemang now transferred to Derby County in England's Championship and Zaha failing to deliver in MLS.
For the team to achieve success this season, they must replace Agyemang's production. They could possess considerable funds to invest following the transfer, with Derby reportedly paying at least $8 million for the USMNT striker.
2. Inter Miami CF
While every MLS franchise must operate within salary cap constraints, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami CF enjoys slightly more flexibility. Multiple players accept reduced wages to compete with the Herons alongside legends, while others fit efficiently into DP and U22 positions.
Recently, Miami have been connected to 31-year-old Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, who seems poised to join the club and likely feature in central midfield within head coach Javier Mascherano's 4-4-2 formation.
However, with Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets occupying DP contracts and already at maximum capacity for Targeted Allocation Money players and U22 Initiative slots, Miami must find innovative solutions to incorporate de Paul or other elite talents. One possible approach could involve negotiating a mutual contract termination with one DP, likely Busquets, or parting ways with Luis Suárez and replacing his TAM-eligible deal with De Paul.
Miami have demonstrated unprecedented ambition among MLS clubs and represent one of the few truly constrained by league regulations. Yet, since acquiring Messi, they have proven adaptable regarding roster construction.