Almada, Shaqiri among potential MLS transfers to watch during summer window

It’s those times again, as European seasons come to an end and clubs begin to implement plans for the summer transfer window. Once again, MLS players will be there.

Last summer, MLS clubs exported several very lucrative players, including:

This year’s potential exports include big stars, young players and some underperforming Designated Players. All information comes from sources knowledgeable about each situation, who are not authorized to speak publicly about potential deals.

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Upcoming offers

Giorgios Giakoumakis, Atlanta United

Atlanta United has already rejected an initial offer of around $6 million from Cruz Azul for star striker Giorgios Giakoumakis, but sources expect Cruz Azul to return with a new offer for the Greek international. Atlanta could agree to a transfer if the price is right, limiting Giakoumakis’ stay at the club to less than 18 months.

There are a lot of “ifs,” but a transfer is a realistic outcome.

Giakoumakis, 29, was signed for around $4 million from Celtic ahead of the 2022 season, and his departure would see Atlanta return to the market to sign a new No. 9 DP. The Greek was elite in his production per 90 minutes. , with 24 goals and five assists in 39 league and playoff matches (2,748 minutes).

Adilson Malanda, Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC central defender Adilson Malanda has plenty of suitors abroad thanks to his exceptional form in MLS, but the club’s position is clear: the French defender is not for sale this summer.

Barring a huge offer, Charlotte intends to keep Malanda at the club until the 2024 season. A deal struck over the summer, which would see Malanda move in the winter, could work out, however.

Malanda, 22, is having a career year as the anchor of one of the best defensive units in MLS. They have kept clean sheets in each of their last four matches, with Malanda playing every minute. The defender was signed by French club Rodez AF in 2022.

Noel Buck, New England Revolution

This season has not reached the heights of a breakout 2023 for Noel Buck. The 19-year-old has been pushed to the bench with just 187 league minutes for the New England Revolution as the club struggles to start the season.

Yet the midfielder is still a regular in the England U-19 team, and interest from clubs around the country remains. A move there makes the most sense for Buck, but there is also interest from Germany and Belgium.

Christian McFarlane, NYCFC

Currently with England at the U-17 European Championships, NYCFC left-back Christian McFarlane is a well-known commodity among English clubs. He’ll probably be there full time soon, like Athleticism previously reported that a deal to send McFarlane to Manchester City had been reached. Sources have said McFarlane is expected to stay in New York before joining City this winter.

McFarlane, 17, is still awaiting his MLS debut but already has 32 appearances with the club’s second team. He is expected to make his first-team debut at some point after returning from international duty.

Emmanuel Ochoa, Earthquakes in San José

San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa is out of contract this winter and teams in Mexico and Europe are looking to sign him on a free transfer, sources say. San Jose also hopes to keep the local goalkeeper at the club.

Ochoa, who turned 19 this month, already has two full seasons as the Quakes’ first-choice reserve team goalkeeper in MLS Next Pro. He made his first-team debut in a US Open Cup match this season and earned a clean sheet.

Eligible in the United States and Mexico, Ochoa was most recently with the Mexican U-20s.

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Will this happen?

Thiago Almada, Atlanta United

Once again, we’re reserving a section just for Thiago Almada, who could set a new record for outgoing transfers in MLS.

Again, unfortunately, there is nothing new to report.

Atlanta United still prefers to keep Almada, but if a big enough offer comes in, Almada will be free to leave. These offers have still not arrived.

Almada’s form hasn’t been at his normal level this year, but he still has enough talent and pedigree to command a huge fee. Almada could raise his profile when he leads Argentina at the Olympics this summer.

Olympic hopefuls

Duncan McGuire, City of Orlando

After two deals with Blackburn Rovers fell through in bizarre circumstances this winter, Duncan McGuire is still a player to watch this summer.

The offers have already started to arrive. Blackburn recently traveled to the United States to restart negotiations (as promised this winter), and Polish club Legia Warsaw submitted an opening bid to Orlando this week. That offer, however, was nowhere near Orlando’s valuation of McGuire. There is also interest from other clubs in the EFL Championship beyond Blackburn.

Orlando has made a new long-term contract offer to McGuire and will look to retain the center forward.

Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union

Jack McGlynn has been one of the best players for the Philadelphia Union in 2024, and many clubs have taken notice.

There has been interest of varying degrees from the English and German Championship, as well as major clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands. No offers have come in yet and it’s unclear how much it would take for Philly to agree to an immediate sale. The club could look to structure a deal to trigger this winter, much like Brenden Aaronson (at RB Salzburg) and his brother Paxten Aaronson (at Eintracht Frankfurt).

Diego Luna, the real salt lake

Real Salt Lake forward Diego Luna chose to sign with the USL club in part because of the path they laid out for him. RSL owner David Blitzer owns several clubs in Europe and the club thought they could help Luna get there.

Nothing concrete has arisen yet, but interest abroad remains. He turned heads at the U-20 World Cup and has another chance on the world stage at the Olympics this summer.

Luna, 20, has more than 100 professional appearances between RSL and El Paso.

Some others…

• LA Galaxy central defender Jalen Neal is one to watch, especially since his contract expires in 18 months.

• New York Red Bulls left back John Tolkin had admirers abroad. This summer (or winter) may be the time for him to leave if the deal goes through.

• Goalkeeper for the Columbus Crew Patrick Schulte has been linked with several Premier League clubs, although it may be a little early to leave in his second season as a starter.

• Atlanta United left back Caleb Wiley He perhaps has the most potential in this group and many clubs are aware of his talent, but he has been careful to choose the right next step rather than jumping at the first offer.

It is time to move on

Not all outgoing transfers are cause for development celebration. Some clubs will try to get rid of underperforming players if they can. In MLS, balancing the salary cap is especially important.

Xherdan Shaqiri, Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire forward Xherdan Shaqiri is out of contract at the end of this season. In his third full year in the United States, it is clear that this decision has not worked out for either the player or the club. Shaqiri has 16 goals and 13 assists in 75 appearances with Chicago. The Fire failed to make the playoffs during his time here and they only have 10 points after 14 games this year.

If there is no interest elsewhere, the Fire’s sister club FC Lugano has been an outlet for several players in recent years, such as Ignacio Aliseda and Kacper Przybylko.

Aaron Boupendza, FC Cincinnati

Aaron Boupendza’s stay in MLS is expected to end this summer, although it may be difficult for FC Cincinnati to find a suitor at the moment.

The club were already prepared to cut ties and move on from the striker before his jaw was broken in a bar altercation a few weeks ago. He had his moments in MLS, but was also suspended by Cincy and the Gabon national team.

Cincy paid $7 million for Boupendza. They’re unlikely to receive anything close to that number in a deal to send him out and open up a DP spot. Another complicating factor is that Boupendza has already played in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China, three potential markets that could allow him to pay his current salary and acquisition costs.

Boupendza has nine goals and four assists in 31 appearances with Cincy. He is still recovering from his broken jaw. It is possible that he played his last match for the club.

Giacomo Vrioni, New England Revolution

Another underperforming offensive DP, Giacomo Vrioni is under contract with New England until next season. He has been a regular in the starting XI this season, but has not contributed enough; just two goals in 11 appearances, to take his tally to 15 goals and four assists in 58 appearances for the Revs.

New England spent around $4 million to sign Vrioni from Juventus in the summer of 2022, following the departure of Adam Buksa.

Talles Magno, NYCFC

It seems odd to lump 21-year-old Talles Magno in here, but he just hasn’t started consistently, whether due to injury or tactical decisions. The talent is there for Magno, but his value will continue to depreciate the longer he sits on the bench. The 21-year-old only played six minutes this season before being injured. He has been an unused substitute in each of the club’s last four matches.

With all the attacking options NYCFC have at their disposal, perhaps the best outcome for all parties would be a move overseas. Last summer, Bologna made a loan offer, but NYCFC was only interested in a direct sale.

Emanuel Reynoso, Minnesota United

Emanuel Reynoso experienced a prolonged and unjustified absence again this year after doing the same in 2023. A separation is brewing this summer, one way or another.

Athleticism reported Tuesday that Liga MX club Club Tijuana is in advanced talks to sign Reynoso. No deal has yet been made or agreed upon, but talks are advanced.