The Major League Soccer (MLS) Secondary Transfer Window this summer has been one for the ages. To understand the magnitude of this year’s current window, take a look at some of the names coming to MLS.
Out West, Los Angeles FC made a massive splash that is historic for both the league and the club. Global superstar Son Heung-Min signed with LAFC for a record-breaking $26.5 million, which makes him the most expensive transfer in MLS history.
Son for years has arguably been one of the best soccer players in the world and the greatest Asian player to ever play. The South Korean has been a goal-scoring machine for not only his country, but also with his former Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. With 173 goals at the club level with Tottenham and 51 goals internationally, Son will now be one of the many great faces of MLS.
Up in the Canadian province of British Columbia, one of the league’s best clubs the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, also made a spectacular signing. Legendary German midfielder Thomas Müller signed with Vancouver and will have a Designated Player option for 2026.
The German great has won numerous trophies throughout his long and prestigious career. From UEFA Champions League titles with Bundesliga club Bayern Munich to winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Müller has won it all. Müller, even at the age of 35, remains a tremendous passer and scorer, and should help a Vancouver squad looking to win the MLS Cup.
Other notable arrivals coming to MLS include Rodrigo De Paul, Matt Turner and Wessam Abou Ali. Turner, the United States men’s national team goalkeeper, returns to the New England Revolution on a loan from French club Lyon.
So, with the league essentially getting stronger with the arrival of more incredible players, what about the Red Bulls? While midfielder Gustav Berggren transferred to New York a few weeks ago, he has yet to appear on the pitch for them.
Then, of course, there has been the other whole Timo Werner saga that has basically been the main storyline for the Red Bulls. But with an influx of great players coming over in this transfer window, does New York still have a chance to sign Werner?
It has been a very complicated situation for Werner and the Red Bulls, with updates from the ongoing negotiations arriving this week. German outlet Sport Bild reported Wednesday that the German striker has a deadline of August 21 to make a decision. A story published by amNewYork on Thursday, however, debunked that report and stated that no deadline was given to Werner.
Now, if Werner were to sign with New York and conclude this messy situation, what does that say about the Red Bulls and the league? For New York, it would prove that this season is not over for them and the appetite for another MLS Cup run is there. When he begins to see the pitch, it is unknown at this point, given that he is not yet a member of New York.
While speculations can be made about New York and what they would potentially look like with him, it would also be big for MLS. With every passing year, more brilliant soccer players are making the transition to the United States, helping the game grow. If Werner were to find his form again, like a few seasons ago, it would definitely increase New York’s attention within the market.
Would it be on the scale of, say, the Thierry Henry signing over a decade ago? Possibly not, but it would still be one of the biggest signings the club has made in its history.
