Transfers heading into the 2023 season
Major League Soccer continues to add talent as the league grows in prestige.
With Major League Soccer’s international profile consistently rising, we have seen some truly historic names cross the Atlantic to ply their trade here, and last season was no different. World class talents like Gareth Bale, Lorenzo Insigne, and Giorgio Chiellini all made headlines when arriving, but so many more added to the overall quality of the league.
This year will be no different, with players from all over the world, as well as trades within MLS teams, the 2023 season has some new arrivals that you need to keep an eye on, and here are a few of them.
Josef Martinez - Striker From: Atlanta United - To: Inter Miami
After saying goodbye to Gonzalo Higuain, who went off into the sunset of retirement, Miami has got their replacement in the form of the 2018 League MVP, All-star Game MVP, Golden Boot Winner, and MLS Cup Final MVP Josef Martinez. While his split with Atlanta was anything but amicable, the Venezuela international appears to be as motivated as ever to rediscover his form.
Aaron Long - Center Back From: New York Red Bulls To: Los Angeles FC
It takes a lot to snatch the starting role from a legend like Giorgio Chiellini, but a new signing like Aaron Long could very well do that. One of the most consistent defenders in MLS over the past few seasons with
Red Bulls, the American earned a call-up to the World Cup squad this winter for good reason.
Evander - Attacking Midfield From: FC Midtjylland - To: Portland Timbers
After establishing one of the greatest modern MLS runs ever, the Portland Timbers’ age is finally starting to catch up with them after narrowly missing the playoffs last season. In response to that, they went out and signed one of the most exciting new arrivals this season in Evander. The Brazilian playmaker has consistently been one of the most creative players in Denmark’s Superliga for FC Midtjylland.
Aaron Herrera - Right Back/center Back - From: Real Salt Lake - To: CF Montreal
With the departure of Alistair Johnston to Celtic in Scotland, CF Montreal lost not only their best defender but one of the best in MLS. Being able to play both the right wing back position and slide into center back, Johnston was a pivotal piece of a team that ended up third in the Supporters Shield race.
Roman Burki - Goalkeeper From: Borussia Dortmund To: St Louis City SC
Anyone in MLS knows that good, consistent goalkeeping can make or break your season, and this is even more so the case with an expansion team. St Louis wasted no time, bringing in a keeper that automatically put the league on notice that they are not messing around during their inaugural season.