Three MLS Powerhouses Poised to Make Blockbuster January Signings
The 2026 transfer period is approaching rapidly.
While some clubs utilized December and the beginning of MLS Free Agency as their main roster-building phase for 2026, others kept their key players with hopes of making another championship push next season. However, almost every franchise will likely engage in some form of activity during the January transfer market.
In this analysis, Sports Illustrated examines three specific clubs that might make significant moves before the campaign begins on Feb. 21.
1. Inter Miami
Inter Miami has already experienced a productive offseason, with reports suggesting they're poised to acquire MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair, previously with Minnesota United, and defender Facundo Mora from Argentina's Racing Club.
Nevertheless, they maintain the potential for a major January signing, considering their available designated player slot following the departures of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Speculation has surrounded potential moves for Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski and previous connections to Neymar.
Although neither player appears probable currently, with Neymar's recent Santos agreement and Chicago Fire's Lewandowski pursuit, the Herons remain well-positioned for a substantial January acquisition.
Their most pressing need lies at the striker position, despite re-signing Luis Suárez, who faced challenges as a regular starter in 2025. Could Paulo Dybala be a possibility? They certainly possess that caliber of opportunity.
2. Toronto FC
Toronto FC hasn't reached the MLS Cup playoffs in five seasons, but the club appears to be progressing positively with their initial 2026 offseason acquisitions. Unlike many MLS franchises, they possess significant roster flexibility.
Their opening two major signings focused on defense, acquiring U.S. national team veteran center back Walker Zimmerman as a free agent following his Nashville SC contract expiration and adding Brazilian right back Matheus Pereira.
Under general manager Jason Hernandez's leadership, Toronto FC faces two obvious roster gaps entering January's window, requiring a starting goalkeeper and an established striker to complement a squad featuring Zimmerman and DP midfielder Djordje Mihailovic.
The 2017 MLS Cup champions are anticipated to pursue Canadian international goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau after his Portland Timbers contract concluded, as Toronto chose not to retain 36-year-old USMNT goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
Simultaneously, they have the opportunity to invest heavily in a striker. 2024 MLS Golden Boot champion Christian Benteke represents a potential target after departing D.C. United, or possibly struggling Canadian international Cyle Larin, who has faced limited minutes with Netherlands' Feyenoord.
While Toronto's major winter signing isn't guaranteed, they rank among the few MLS clubs with significant spending history that possess the capability for such a move.
3. San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes operate in championship-focused mode under 74-year-old manager Bruce Arena, despite missing the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. Approaching the 2026 season, they likely seek a designated player for the central attacking midfield position to replace veteran Cristian Espinoza, who entered free agency after seven seasons with the Earthquakes.
Espinoza recorded 36 goals and 70 assists across 218 regular-season appearances in San Jose and emerged as an unexpected 2025 MLS MVP candidate during portions of the season. However, both he and veteran striker Josef Martínez were released following the campaign, providing the Earthquakes an opportunity to rejuvenate their roster and continue developing.
Typically among the league's more conservative spenders, ranking 19th in total roster expenditure among 30 teams in 2025, the Earthquakes are unlikely to compete for established superstars. However, they might target a promising South American seeking to enhance his profile—a developmental signing they hoped would succeed better than Hernán López, whom they signed to a DP contract in 2024 before loaning to Argentine first-division club Argentinos Juniors.