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August 7, 2024
The transfer season is in full swing as MLS teams aim to bolster their rosters in preparation for the closing months of the regular season.
With an influx of high-profile European talents and strategic intra-MLS transactions, clubs are actively seeking to enhance their competitiveness. Here, we highlight ten of the most significant signings made by MLS franchises since June began.
The Timbers already feature one of the most formidable attacking trios in Major League Soccer, with Evander, Felipe Mora, and Jonathan Rodríguez each tallying double-digit goals. To further enhance their offensive depth as they gear up for the playoff push, they made a strategic acquisition by signing Mason Toye from CF Montréal. Toye quickly made his mark by scoring a brilliant goal during Portland’s 4-0 rout of Colorado in the Leagues Cup.
Inter Miami is known for its potent offensive lineup, yet injuries and inconsistent performances have led to moments of defensive vulnerability. The addition of defender David Martínez from River Plate is a significant move aimed at shoring up the backline. His arrival could provide the defensive stability the Herons desperately need as they head into both the knockout rounds of the Leagues Cup and the race for the Supporters’ Shield.
Celebrating club-record signings is becoming a tradition in MLS as teams continue to elevate their ambitions. Although Luca Langoni has yet to make his debut in the league, his signing appears to be a clever acquisition for the Revolution. At just 22 years old, Langoni has already made 69 senior appearances, contributing 11 goals and four assists for Argentine powerhouses. Historically, players from Argentina have found great success in Major League Soccer.
The Houston Dynamo are on the brink of becoming serious contenders in the Western Conference, but they have been lacking a reliable goalscorer. Enter Ezequiel Ponce, formerly of AEK Athens, who could potentially be the game-changer they need. With an impressive record of 41 goal contributions in 81 appearances for AEK, Ponce is expected to make a significant impact for the Dynamo as they push toward the postseason.
The Columbus Crew are skillfully assembling a star-studded roster by acquiring top-tier MLS talent from other clubs. The signing of fullback DeJuan Jones from the New England Revolution perfectly exemplifies this strategy. Jones brings a combination of speed, intelligence, and invaluable MLS experience to the Crew’s flanks, bolstering head coach Wilfried Nancy’s high-flying champions as they strive for continued success in the league.
CF Montréal has faced significant turmoil throughout much of the 2024 season, but they may have turned a corner with the summer acquisition of former Wigan fullback Tom Pearce. With passionate support from their home crowd, Montréal seems to be just a few strategic decisions away from becoming a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference. Signing Pearce indicates a willingness to take ambitious steps toward improvement.
St. Louis City clearly has a strong scouting presence in Germany, and it’s paying off for the MLS newcomers. Marcel Hartel played a pivotal role in St. Pauli’s impressive campaign that culminated in a 2. Bundesliga title last season. His winning mindset and skill set will be invaluable as he joins St. Louis. Although playoff aspirations may seem distant at this stage, Hartel, at just 28 years old, has the potential to be a cornerstone for the team in future seasons.
Austin FC, much like Montréal earlier, needs to make calculated moves to attract top-tier talent to their roster. With the right additions, they could position themselves as one of the premier teams in MLS, particularly given the positive culture developing in the city. The signing of Osman Bukari, who recorded an impressive 25 goals and 20 assists in 78 matches for Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade, is a significant stride toward re-establishing their playoff ambitions, as they currently sit just two points shy of the postseason mark.
The 2024 season has been nothing short of a disaster for Atlanta United, yet the signing of Aleksei Miranchuk could serve as a glimmer of hope in their efforts to rebound. The former Atalanta player notched 13 goals and 19 assists in 98 appearances during what was arguably the club’s most successful period. With a sizeable gap left by Thiago Almada in the attack, Miranchuk represents a crucial step forward in Atlanta’s quest to reclaim their position among the Eastern Conference elite.
It had to be someone of Giroud’s caliber taking the top spot. The rivalry between the Los Angeles clubs and Inter Miami is thrilling for MLS fans eager to see high-profile players join the league. A central striker has been the missing component for an already elite LAFC squad this season, and with the addition of one of the most decorated strikers of the past decade, they could be poised for greatness. If Giroud can seamlessly integrate into the team in LA, Steve Cherundolo’s squad may become virtually unstoppable.
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