Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
×
×
Notification products, updates
July 10, 2024
While the MLS transfer window officially opens on July 18, the transfer activity is already in full swing. Clubs are gearing up for the summer window, and international teams are eyeing MLS talent. Though new signings can’t play until the window opens, many deals are being finalized now.
Atlanta United is having a record-breaking transfer window. With the departures of Thiago Almada, Giorgos Giakoumakis, and Caleb Wiley, the club has secured a guaranteed $42 million in transfer fees. Adding another $3 million from a sell-on clause related to Esequiel Barco’s transfer, Atlanta has raised $45 million this summer.
| Player | Team | Fee |
| Thiago Almada | Botafogo | $21m (+ $9m add-ons) |
| Giorgos Giakoumakis | Cruz Azul | $10m |
| Caleb Wiley | Chelsea | $11m |
The highest amount any MLS club has previously achieved in a single transfer window is $28 million, which the Chicago Fire raised from the transfers of Gaga Slonina and Jhon Duran in January 2022. Atlanta United’s recent sales, totaling $45 million, surpass this figure and exceed the total transfer revenue of most MLS clubs throughout their history.
LAFC, a club with similar early success and ambition, is unlikely to have matched this amount in guaranteed transfer fees over its entire history, though exact figures are private. Atlanta United’s achievement is a milestone, demonstrating the league’s growing market presence. The club has showcased three different approaches this summer: selling a prime star (Giorgos Giakoumakis), a rising talent acquired abroad (Thiago Almada), and an academy graduate (Caleb Wiley).
Atlanta holds the record for the three most expensive inbound transfers and two of MLS history’s top three outbound transfers. With Garth Lagerwey as club president, known for building successful teams with Real Salt Lake and the Seattle Sounders, and Carlos Bocanegra as technical director handling the day-to-day operations, the club is well-positioned to utilize this windfall effectively.
Recently, Atlanta bid around $10 million for Russian international Aleksei Miranchuk, reflecting Lagerwey’s strategy of targeting proven, in-prime talent. With ample funds and ambition, the club is expected to continue this approach in their search for a new center forward and replacements for Almada and Giakoumakis.
Despite a disappointing season on the field, the right signings could turn things around and make this transfer window one of the most memorable in MLS history.
D.C. Sources confirm that United has agreed with Maccabi Netanya to sign defensive midfielder Boris Enow. The 24-year-old Cameroonian is a crucial target for D.C. as they aim to strengthen their defensive unit. Known for his tenacity and ability to disrupt the opposition, Enow has a background in Porto’s youth system and boasts over 100 appearances in Israeli football.
D.C. United has struggled defensively this season, conceding 47 goals in 23 matches, the third-worst record in MLS. Their recent 5-0 defeat to Orlando City underscores their defensive issues, with the team winless in their last 11 matches and having allowed 14 goals in their past four games.
Despite these challenges, D.C. United’s summer strategy has focused on long-term improvements. Since Ally Mackay became general manager and Troy Lesesne took over as head coach, there has been a concerted effort to revamp the roster and implement a new high-pressing system. Enow’s addition will provide immediate help and offer the club greater flexibility for future changes as they continue to build for the future.
Sources confirm Orlando City has turned down an $8 million offer from Red Star Belgrade for star winger Facundo Torres. Torres, acquired for over $8 million in 2022, has seen his value increase with his continued strong performances. The bid from Red Star is reportedly far from Orlando’s valuation. The news was first reported by Adam Leventhal of The Athletic.
At 24, Torres is a crucial player for Orlando. Although he had a slow start to the 2024 season, he has recently regained form with four goals and two assists in his last five matches. Red Star Belgrade has been active in the MLS market recently, having sold Osman Bukari to Austin FC for $7 million and signed Marko Ilic from Colorado Rapids and Milos Degenek from Columbus Crew last year.
According to sources, the Portland Timbers are poised to finalize the signing of New Zealand center-back Finn Surman from Wellington Phoenix. The 20-year-old completed his medical in Portland but will join the New Zealand Olympic squad first. Surman, who has one senior cap and 51 appearances with Wellington Phoenix, is seen as a promising talent for the Timbers.
This move is the beginning of what is expected to be a busy summer for Portland. The club plans to use their final designated player (DP) spot on a central midfielder to bolster their defense, with a likely focus on younger talent. To make room, a current player may need to move, with Eryk Williamson being a potential candidate for departure. Interest in Williamson has been noted among various MLS clubs.
Under new head coach Phil Neville, who took over this winter, Portland has seen improved form, only once in their previous nine games. DP forward Jonathan Rodriguez, signed from Club America in March, has been a standout with 11 goals and five assists, showcasing valuable positional versatility. With star attacking midfielder Evander leading the squad and Santi Moreno and Felipe Mora rounding out the first-choice attack, Portland is set for a dynamic summer.
Sources indicate that the Seattle Sounders are discussing acquiring winger Dario Spikic from Dinamo Zagreb. While negotiations are underway, a deal is not yet imminent. According to Dinamove Kronike, a bid of around $1.5 million has been submitted for the 25-year-old.
Spikic had a solid season last year with four goals and four assists in 1,245 minutes, and he performed even better in the 2022-23 season with seven goals and five assists. He has won three league titles with Dinamo Zagreb. His addition would bolster the Sounders’ attack, complementing current players such as Jordan Morris, Albert Rusnak, Leo Chu, and Raul Ruidiaz.
Midfielder Scotty Arfield is expected to leave Charlotte FC shortly, with a move to the English lower leagues on the horizon, sources reveal. Arfield was absent from training on Wednesday, signaling his departure was imminent. The 35-year-old Scottish-born former Canadian international joined Charlotte from Rangers last summer but has struggled for minutes, playing only 375 minutes this season and 404 minutes in his initial half-season with MLS.
Arfield’s exit will create salary cap space for Charlotte to pursue further acquisitions. The club is working on a deal to sign U.S. international center back Tim Ream. It aims to bring forward a new designated player center. Additionally, if Poland international Karol Swiderski departs for Europe this summer, Charlotte could sign another DP.
Charlotte FC is having a strong 2024 season. Currently, it is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 32 points from 22 matches, on track for its best point total in the club’s short history.
According to sources, Polish club Cracovia is actively working on a deal to sign goalkeeper Henrich Ravas from the New England Revolution. Ravas, 26, was brought in as a starter for New England but struggled and was subsequently benched. Although he was named to Slovakia’s squad for Euro 2024, he did not see any game time.
Ravas has yet to feature in New England since April, with head coach Caleb Porter favoring Aljaz Ivacic, who was signed mid-season. Given Ravas’s limited appearances, a summer transfer appears increasingly likely.
Rally behind your team! Check out our site and share your support with pride.
Football News Today | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
Stay Tuned With Updates