Chicharito among players to watch
The biggest winner in the Major League Soccer offseason transfer market ended up being the rumor mill.
Whether it was the apparent flirtation between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, or the interest that Los Angeles FC had for Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, neither came to fruition and the MLS offseason was devoid of a splashy incoming international move.
But there are still plenty of stars across the MLS to watch for during the 2023 season that begins Saturday:
JESUS FERREIRA, FC DALLAS >> Ferreira finally reached his potential last season as he scored 18 goals for FC Dallas, tying for fourthmost in the league. He helped the team finish third in the Western Conference and reach the Western Conference semifinals before they were knocked out of the playoffs by Austin.
HANY MUKHTAR, NASHVILLE >>
The reigning league MVP was spectacular last season with 23 goals and 11 assists, helping Nashville
finish fifth in the Western Conference and earn a playoff berth. Mukhtar's 34 goals were the fifth-most in a single season in MLS history.
ANDRE BLAKE, PHILADELPHIA >> The best goalkeeper in the league last year is the most recognizable star for a team that lacks big names but is a clear favorite in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia was moments away from winning its first MLS title in November before LAFC scored late in extra time and won on penalties. CUCHO HERNANDEZ, COLUMBUS >> The latest young
South American star to join MLS made quite the splash in his limited debut last season. Hernandez had nine goals and two assists in just 16 games for the Columbus Crew following his move from Watford.
JAVIER “CHICHARITO” HERNANDEZ, LA GALAXY >> The ageless Mexican star stepped back into the past and led the LA Galaxy to a playoff berth last season. Chicharito had 18 goals and played in 32 matches, both highs since he moved to MLS.
JOSEF MARTINEZ,
>> While rumors swirled about Lionel Messi and bringing the World Cup champion to Inter Miami, the club had a backup plan in place. How successful that plan is depends on whether Martinez can rediscover the form that made him the league's MVP in 2018 with Atlanta United.
THIAGO ALMADA, ATLANTA UNITED >> The 21-year-old will step into a larger role this season for Atlanta United following the departure of Martinez to Miami. Almada appeared in 29 games and had six goals and seven assists last season.
SEAN JOHNSON, TORONTO >> After six years as the anchor at the back for NYCFC, including an MLS Cup title, Johnson made the move to Toronto FC in the offseason. Johnson was second in MLS with 14 clean sheets last season.
JOAO PAULO, SEATTLE >> Midfield sparkplug Joao Paulo is back, making a brief appearance for Seattle during its one match at the Club World Cup. His return should stabilize Seattle's midfield and once again make the Sounders one of the favorites out West.