Major League Soccer News and Preseason Updates 2025
League Updates
The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, marking the league’s 30th anniversary, is swiftly approaching. Defending champions Los Angeles Galaxy and Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami CF will return to the field, alongside the latest expansion club, San Diego FC. The regular season commences on February 22, concluding with Decision Day on October 18.
Transfer Market Buzz
FC Cincinnati to FC Dallas: Luciano Acosta
FC Cincinnati’s era with Luciano Acosta has come to an end. After four years with the club, Acosta moves to FC Dallas in the largest cash-for-player trade in MLS history. FC Cincinnati will receive up to $6 million in exchange for the 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP.
Defender Omar Gonzalez Joins Chicago Fire FC
Experienced defender Omar Gonzalez has joined Chicago Fire FC as a free agent. With 52 caps for the U.S. national team, Gonzalez has a decorated career, including three MLS Cup titles and multiple MLS Best XI selections.
Atlanta United Makes Statement Signings
Atlanta United continues to bolster its squad, signing striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough and re-acquiring midfielder Miguel Almiron. Latte Lath joins for a league-record fee, while Almiron returns after helping Atlanta win the 2018 MLS Cup.
Cucho Hernandez Departs Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew have transferred forward Cucho Hernandez to Real Betis in Spain for approximately $16 million. Hernandez, the 2024 MLS MVP runner-up, played a pivotal role in the Crew’s Leagues Cup and MLS Cup victories in 2024.
U.S. Prospect Jack McGlynn Traded
Philadelphia Union has traded midfielder Jack McGlynn to Houston Dynamo for a $2.1 million fee, with potential additional payments based on performance. This trade marks the first use of MLS’s new rule allowing teams to make trades involving cash.
Dejan Joveljic Moves to Sporting Kansas City
After a successful stint with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Dejan Joveljic has been acquired by Sporting Kansas City for $4 million, becoming the first cash-for-player trade in MLS history. Joveljic was instrumental in the Galaxy’s 2024 MLS Cup triumph.
Miguel Almiron Returns to Atlanta United
Atlanta United has announced the return of Miguel Almiron for a reported $10 million transfer fee, making him the franchise’s most expensive signing. Almiron previously helped Atlanta win the 2018 MLS Cup before joining Newcastle United.
Valuation and TV Deals
Five MLS franchises have surpassed the $1 billion valuation mark, with the league’s average team worth reaching $721 million. Los Angeles FC, Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and New York City FC lead the pack.
Major League Soccer and Apple have partnered to bring MLS Season Pass to subscribers of Comcast Xfinity, DirecTV, and T-Mobile. The service will offer live coverage of all MLS matches.
Tournament Formats
The 2025 Leagues Cup will feature 18 MLS teams and all 18 clubs from LIGA MX, beginning in July and culminating in the August final. MLS teams will also compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Canadian Championship.
Documentary Release
On February 21, the eight-part documentary ‘Onside: Major League Soccer’ will premiere on Apple TV+, showcasing the highlights of the 2024 MLS season. The series is produced by Box To Box Films, known for ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive.’
Expansion Club News
San Diego FC has signed U.S. national team midfielder Luca de la Torre on loan from Celta Vigo. The club also announced the signing of goalkeeper JC Robles, who previously played for FC Cincinnati.
Other Notable Transfers
- Maximiliano Urruti joins the New England Revolution
- Josef Martinez signs with San Jose Earthquakes
- Brandon Vazquez moves from FC Monterrey to Austin FC
- Christian McFarlane departs New York City FC for Manchester City
