MLS Offseason Heats Up: Transfer Rumors and Coaching Changes Dominate Headlines
As the 2025 MLS season nears its conclusion with the Conference Finals, clubs are already aggressively shaping their rosters for the 2026 campaign. A flurry of announcements regarding player registrations, departures, and renewals signals a busy offseason, and several key storylines are emerging across the league.
Liga MX Clubs Circle Chicago Fire Midfielder Óscar Pineda
One of the most intriguing developments centers around 17-year-old Óscar Pineda, a standout midfielder from the Chicago Fire academy. According to journalist Tom Bogert, Pineda has attracted significant interest from clubs in Mexico’s Liga MX, including Club America. Pineda impressed while representing Mexico at the recent U-17 World Cup, starting in all five of his nation’s matches. “The midfielder Chicago Fire interests several Mexican clubs, led by America,” Bogert reported on November 21, 2025. The young Mexican-American player’s performance on the international stage has clearly caught the attention of scouts south of the border.
San José Earthquakes Stand Firm on ‘Chicho’ Arango
Despite a $3 million offer from Pumas of Mexico, the San José Earthquakes have reportedly rejected a bid for forward ‘Chicho’ Arango. Tom Bogert revealed that negotiations continued earlier in the day, but ultimately, the Quakes decided to retain the 30-year-old Colombian, who is under contract through 2026 with an option for 2027. This decision underscores the Earthquakes’ commitment to maintaining key offensive firepower.
Philadelphia Union Pursue Uruguayan Defender Geiner Martínez
Further south, the Philadelphia Union are reportedly targeting Geiner Martínez, a Colombian defender currently playing for Atlético Youth in Uruguay. Argentine journalist Uriel Jugt reported on November 26, 2025, that the Union has made an offer to acquire a percentage of Martínez’s transfer rights. While CA Juventud has the proposal under consideration, a deal is not yet finalized, leaving the possibility of the transfer falling through.
Inter Miami Eyeing Facundo Mura as a Free Agent
Inter Miami continues to build its star-studded roster, and Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur reports the club is preparing to sign right back Facundo Mura as a free agent when his contract with Racing Hazelnut expires. However, the path to securing Mura isn’t straightforward, as Students of La Plata retain 50 percent of his rights and could potentially block the move.
Orlando City Close to Signing Brazilian Midfielder Luis Otávio
Orlando City appears poised to add Brazilian talent to its ranks. According to Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, the Lions have reached a verbal agreement with Porto Alegre International for the transfer of midfielder Luis Otávio. The deal, valued at $3.5 million for 70 percent of the player’s rights, is contingent on Otávio completing his participation in the Brazilian Championship. The Brazilian center back is expected to sign a contract extending through December 2029, pending medical evaluations.
Wilfried Nancy Heads to Europe: Celtic Appoint Columbus Crew SC Coach
In a significant coaching change, Wilfried Nancy is leaving Columbus Crew SC to take the helm at Celtic of Scotland. Multiple media outlets report that the Scottish club has reached an agreement with the Frenchman, prompting a compensation payment to the Crew. Ohio’s team will now begin the search for a new strategist to lead them forward.
Philadelphia Union Secure Olwethu Makhanya’s Future
The Philadelphia Union have solidified their defensive line by exercising the contractual option for 21-year-old South African defender Olwethu Makhanya, extending his stay through the 2026 and 2027 seasons. “Olwethu had an outstanding year in his first full season in MLS. Proving to be an important piece of our defensive line, he has shown maturity, consistency and leadership at only 21 years old,” said technician Bradley Carnell.
Timo Werner Considers Inter Miami Move
Despite being ruled out by the New York Red Bulls, Timo Werner is reportedly considering a move to Inter Miami. According to German newspaper BILD, the German attacker is seeking an exit from RB Leipzig, where his contract runs through mid-2026, and sees Miami as an attractive destination. Werner’s goal is to join the team for preseason and be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign.
New York Red Bulls Announce Squad Changes
The New York Red Bulls have announced changes to their squad for the upcoming season, including the departure of Paraguayan goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. Contract options were denied for Jamaican right-back Kyle Duncan and Ghanaian Curtis Ofori, while options were exercised for midfielder Peter Stroud and center back Sean Nealis. The club is currently in negotiations with goalkeepers AJ Marcucci and Tim Parker.
San José Earthquakes See Key Players Depart
The San José Earthquakes are undergoing significant roster turnover. Argentinian midfielder Cristian Espinoza did not renew his contract and will seek a new club as a free agent. Venezuelan forward Josef Martínez also had his contract option denied after recording two assists in 30 games this season. Additionally, the Earthquakes denied contract options for Brazilian defender Antonio Rodrigues, lateral Wilson Eisner, Canadian midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Portuguese defender Bruno Wilson.
DC United Weighs Options with Christian Benteke and Kristian Fletcher
DC United rejected the contract option of Belgian forward Christian Benteke, but remain in talks with his representatives about a potential return for 2026. The club is also negotiating with forward Kristian Fletcher after declining his option. Players who have become free agents include Luis Barraza and Canadian Lukas MacNaughton, while options were denied for Derek Dodson, Randall Leal, and Rida Zouhir.
These moves demonstrate the proactive approach MLS clubs are taking to prepare for the 2026 season, promising an exciting and competitive landscape as the league continues to grow.
