Biggest transfer priority for all 29 MLS clubs to begin 2024 | MLSSoccer.com
The calendar has flipped to 2024 and the MLS transfer world is about to reach another level or two.
With front offices hard at work preparing their rosters for the slate ahead, let’s identify one big area of need. Clubs’ checklists vary in length, of course, but this should give a sense of what awaits.
Time is ticking â the regular season begins Feb. 21!
Center back: Atlanta look to be planning for a post-Miles Robinson future. Even if the USMNT veteran returns after exploring free agency, theyâd benefit from some backline reinforcements.
Striker & fullback: Theyâve only got Gyasi Zardes in the No. 9 spot and are perilously thin at left/right back. Letâs see what sporting director Rodolfo Borrell has up his sleeve.
Winger: Iâve got a lot of Kerwin Vargas stock entering 2024. But thereâs too much uncertainty or unknowns around other options as head coach Dean Smith gets settled in.
DP striker: The clubâs publicly stated their intent here, though the rumor millâs been quiet. Whoever comes through, the Fire desperately need a 15+ goalscorer-type to complement Xherdan Shaqiri, Brian GutiĂ©rrez, Chris Mueller, etc.
Center back: This blurb changes tune quickly if the Ălvaro Barreal and Brandon Vazquez transfer rumors turn into concrete deals. But we know thereâs a hole at center back as Yerson Mosquera (at least for now) returns to Wolves after his season-long loan.
Goalkeeper: Remember those Zack Steffen rumors from a few weeks back? Letâs see if they pick up steam or fizzle out now that Europeâs January transfer window is underway.
Right wingback: Itâs really hard to pinpoint a position of need on Columbusâ MLS Cup-winning roster. But with Julian Gressel walking in free agency, they need some depth behind Mo Farsi.
Carlos Vela: LAFC have already made one big swing this offseason, landing legendary French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Still no word if their own club legend (Vela) is back for 2024, a decision that has a big ripple effect on the rest of the roster (DP spots, cap space, forward depth chart, etc.).
Striker, winger & right back: Itâs nigh impossible to pinpoint just one position since the Galaxy have so many holes to fill. Yet as we see it, GM Will Kuntz has three main buckets to fill now that Chicharito, Douglas Costa and Calegari are all gone.
Another one of Messiâs friends?: Jokes aside, center back and d-mid jump off the page. With a full schedule and a steady flow of transfer rumors, expect some movement in the weeks ahead.
Defense: Depth at center back and a starting left back are glaring needs, specifically. Minnesota could stand to add a striker behind Teemu Pukki, too.
Head coach: MontrĂ©al completed some shrewd business in December, acquiring wingbacks Raheem Edwards (from LA Galaxy) and Ruan (from D.C. United) within MLS. But theyâre still without a head coach just weeks before preseason begins.
Goalkeeper: The Revs are reportedly signing Henrich Ravas, a Slovak international who plays in the Polish first division. If that goes through, maybe he joins their âgoalkeeper factoryâ thatâs already sent Matt Turner and Djordje Petrovic to the Premier League.
Striker: Mounsef Bakrar is readying for his first full season after joining NYCFC last July, but options feel thin beyond him. This is all predicated on keeping Talles Magno at winger, of course.
Center back: You could probably toss center-mid and striker here as well, but thereâs a clear need behind Sean Nealis and AndrĂ©s Reyes. Maybe one or two signings to align with head coach Sandro Schwarz?
Left back: This exists in the world where Kai Wagner walks in free agency, either to another MLS team or back to Europe. There are some internal options, sure, but it wonât be easy to replace his attacking skill set (5g/39a in 138 games).
Attacking DPs: As the Phil Neville era begins, theyâve got two spots open â a byproduct of declining Jaroslaw Niezgodaâs contract option and transferring Yimmi Chara to Colombiaâs AtlĂ©tico Junior. Striker and winger are priority 1a and 1b.
No. 10: Jamiro Monteiro is now a free agent and was so-so as San Joseâs playmaker, tallying just 5g/12a in 59 games. With that open DP spot, will they swing big?
DP winger: In one of MLSâ worst-kept secrets, the Sounders are reportedly on the verge of formally acquiring Pedro de la Vega, an Argentine youth international who plays for LanĂșs, as their third DP. After that, striker and center back depth come to mind.
Central midfield & center back: These two spots are huge needs for Toronto as their John Herdman era truly gets underway. They need 1) bodies and 2) players of quality.
Right wingback: Will that reported DP deal for Richie Laryea get over the line? If so, the Whitecapsâ biggest area of need is solved. There’s not much else beyond that.
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