The MLS transfer market remains busy as we head into the start of preseason for the league’s clubs.
From confirmed deals to big name rumors, here’s all the big transfer news around MLS in recent days.
San Diego FC continues to ‘circle’ around Kevin De Bruyne transfer
📸 Gualter Fatia – 2024 Gualter Fatia
MLS newcomers San Diego FC are reportedly “on the shortlist” for Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne if he leaves Manchester City this summer.
The Athletic reported that De Bruyne would prefer a move to MLS rather than the Middle East, and California is among his “preferred destinations.”
San Diego currently only has one designated player, Mexican winger Chucky Lozano, giving them plenty of wiggle room to sign a cash-rich star to jump-start their MLS life.
Toronto FC ‘working on’ Insigne’s departure
📸 Tim Nwachukwu – 2023 Getty Images
Toronto FC is reportedly “working” on the departure of star striker Lorenzo Insigne, Tom Bogert reported this weekend.
The Italian scored 28 goals in 56 MLS games for Toronto, but the Canadian team did not qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs in any of his 2.5 seasons at the club.
Alan Pulido strongly linked with Chivas return
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Sporting KC forward Alan Pulido is reportedly set to return to Chivas after a four-year stint in Kansas City, according to reports from insider César Luis Merlo.
In his first stint with Chivas, Pulido was named Liga MX MVP during the 2017 Clausura-winning campaign, but failed to truly reach the same heights for Sporting KC.
He scored 14 goals in 28 league games in 2023 and was crowned MLS Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from a knee injury.
CF Montreal acquires Jalen Neal and Giacomo Vrioni
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Montreal made moves for LA Galaxy and former USMNT defender Jalen Neal, as well as New England Revolution forward Giacomo Vrioni, confirming deals on Monday and Tuesday respectively.
Neal is widely regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in MLS and has already made 45 appearances in all competitions at senior level after making the jump to the senior team.
Meanwhile, Vrioni joined New England from Juventus in 2023 and recorded 12 goals and three assists in just over 2,500 minutes in all competitions last season.
Montreal has now acquired Neal, Vrioni, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Caden Clark over the past two transfer windows, and all of their designated player spots remain open.
San Diego FC signs former Inter Miami player Franco Negri
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San Diego FC continued its busy transfer window ahead of its inaugural campaign, signing former Inter Miami midfielder Franco Negri to a one-year deal.
The Argentine made 32 appearances for the South Florida club, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and securing a Supporters Shield in 2024.
Alan Velasco linked to Boca Juniors
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Argentine giants Boca Juniors have been linked with FC Dallas starlet Alan Velasco, according to César Luis Merlo.
The 22-year-old has struggled since suffering a ligament injury and has only played eight times in MLS during the 2024 campaign.
Despite this, Velasco remains one of the highest-rated young strikers in the Americas, and Boca could pay up to $11 million for him after a lower initial offer was rejected.
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