As rumors and confirmed contracts continue to be announced for the 2025 season, we bring you another edition of our roundup of MLS transfer news.
Here’s what you’ve missed in the last few days of the MLS transfer window.
MLS introduces cash-based internal transfer market
📸 Kevork Jansesjian – 2024 Getty Images
While it may not be a transfer rumor, there is some big news regarding how MLS clubs will conduct their transfer business going forward.
The league announced on Tuesday that it will immediately implement a cash-based internal transfer market in MLS.
💵 Sources say MLS has officially passed a new cash-based internal trading system, which will go into effect immediately.
🔺MLS calls player trade cash “cash”
🔺 Clubs can get 2 per season and sell 2 per season
🔺 Clubs can still trade with GAM https://t.co/qeDeLlAfg6— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 13, 2025
This means that teams can now buy players from other MLS clubs for cash, whereas previously they had to jump through hoops such as allocation money and trading players and international slots.
Clubs were now able to buy two players for cash each season and sell two players for cash each season, a major change in the business of the league.
Atlanta United signs Emmanuel Late Las “contract forward”
📸 Stu Forster – 2025 Getty Images
Atlanta United are reportedly in the process of signing Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Late-Las.
According to Sky Sports, an agreement between the two clubs is nearing as Atlanta looks to sign a new attacking centerpiece.
According to reports earlier this week, Atlanta has already bid up to $20 million for the 26-year-old, which would be a new MLS record.
Late-Las has scored 10 goals in 26 appearances for Middlesbrough this season.
Inter Miami announces the signing of Tadeo Allende
📸 Angel Martinez – 2024 Getty Images
Inter Miami have announced the signing of Celta Vigo attacker Taddeo Allende on a season-long loan deal.
The 25-year-old has only made one La Liga appearance for Celta this season.
“We are pleased to welcome attacker Tadeo Allende to further strengthen our attack. Tadeo’s versatility strengthens our forward options, as he can perform in a variety of positions on the pitch. ” said President of Football Operations Raul Sanllehi.
The Portland Timbers are reportedly close to acquiring Kevin Kelce.
📸Katie Stratman Iman Image
The Portland Timbers have long been rumored to sign forward Kevin Kelce this winter, but Tom Bogart says the Cascadia club is now close to finalizing a deal for the former FC Cincinnati player.
The Timbers will reportedly give just under $6 million to the 20-year-old, who scored six goals in 25 MLS games with Cincinnati last season.
Kelce will increase Phil Neville’s forward options after he scored the second-most goals in the Western Conference in 2024.
San Diego FC signs USMNT midfielder Luca de la Torre “close to contract”
📸 Aitor Alcalde – 2023 Getty Images
New MLS team San Diego FC is reportedly close to signing Luca de la Torre from Spain’s Celta Vigo.
According to MLS Insider Tom Bogart, the California club will sign the 26-year-old on loan with an option to buy, making him an integral part of his first MLS campaign.
Delatorre signed with Celta in 2022 and has since made 67 appearances.
Chicago Fire register interest in Fiorentina winger
📸 Gabriele Martinti – 2024 Getty Images
The Chicago Fire, who are rebuilding under new manager Gregg Berhalter, are reportedly “interested” in Fiorentina winger Jonathan Icone.
Italian football official Alfredo Pedula revealed that Fiorentina are “positive about selling” the 26-year-old, while Ikone is considering whether to accept or reject the offer.
The Frenchman has featured in 14 Serie A games for Fiorentina this season, registering neither a goal nor an assist.
Lazio are reportedly ‘tracking’ LAFC forward Mateusz Bogusz
📸 Kelvin Kuo Iman Images
Serie A club Lazio are reportedly “tracking” LAFC striker Mateusz Bogus.
The 23-year-old was a standout on the 2024 MLS team, scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists in 36 MLS appearances.
LAFC has signed both Olivier Giroud and Jérémy Ebobisse to anchor their attacks in the past two transfer windows, meaning Bogus will have even more competition for playing time going forward.
Celtic and Cruz Azul are also “monitoring the situation” of the LAFC player, according to Ekrem Konur.
Toronto FC completes signing of Theo Corbeanu from Girona
📸 Martin Rose – 2023 Getty Images
Toronto FC has signed winger Theo Corbeanu on a loan deal until the end of the 2025 season with an option to buy from Spanish side Granada.
The Canadian has made just 22 appearances in two seasons with Granada and will be aiming to return to his home country and the club where he grew up in the club to start his career.
📸 Gabriele Martinti – 2024 Getty Images
