James Rodriguez: Pure magic arrives in Minnesota

He is one of the most anticipated faces of the 2026 season. After terminating his contract with Mexican club Leon, Colombia's captain, James, chose to settle at Minnesota United. At 34 years old, with an estimated salary of $5M per year, the playmaker signed until June 2026 (with an extension option), a strategic choice to remain competitive for the World Cup.

Inheriting the number 10 shirt, the former Real Madrid player immediately becomes a major attraction in the USA. His challenge is clear: to prove that his left foot can still dictate the pace of a league that increasingly demands physical intensity.

James

Timo Werner, the MLS's new spearhead

Long tagged as German football's next big "star", Timo Werner ultimately chose to leave Europe after mixed spells at Chelsea, Tottenham, and RB Leipzig. At 29 years old, the international forward terminated his contract in Germany to sign with the San Jose Earthquakes until June 2028.

Under the Silicon Valley sun, Werner arrives with a comfortable annual salary estimated at 7 million euros. For the Californian franchise, it's a major coup: attracting a Champions League winner still in the prime of his career. For the Germans, the objective is simple: rediscover confidence and goal-scoring efficiency in a league that favours fast attackers.

Werner

Andre Gomes: A European champion in Columbus

The Columbus Crew have just pulled off one of the most elegant moves of early 2026. Available on a free transfer, Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes has committed to the Ohio club until June 2027 (with an option for an additional year). At 32 years old, the former FC Barcelona and Everton midfielder brings a prestigious CV to the MLS, crowned by a European Championship title in 2016 with Portugal.

Andre gomes

German Berterame: Miami's designated heir in attack

Inter Miami continue to dominate the transfer market. To bolster the Messi-Suarez duo, the Florida franchise made a colossal move in January 2026 by signing Argentine (naturalised Mexican) forward German Berterame. Arriving from Monterrey, the 27-year-old striker joins for a fee of $15 million, one of the highest amounts in the club's history.

Signing until the end of the 2028-2029 season (with an option for 2030), Berterame is not just a significant reinforcement: he embodies the post-legends future of Inter Miami.

German Berterame

Lucas Halter: Houston Dynamo's new Brazilian rock

The Houston Dynamo have decided to solidify their defence for the 2026 season by acquiring one of Brazilian football's most reliable talents. In January, the Texan club officially announced the arrival of Lucas Halter from Botafogo. At 25 years old, the Brazilian centre-back is taking a key step in his career by committing long-term with a contract running until December 2030.

Lucas Halter

With this wave of record signings in 2026, the MLS have definitively changed their status. By attracting profiles as diverse as these players, the North American league have proved that they are now a genuine sporting priority. Just months before the US-hosted World Cup, Uncle Sam have armed itself with the necessary arguments to look Europe straight in the eye. The show is just beginning.

G. Berterame

Achievements