There is less than three weeks until the 2020 campaign of Major League Soccer begins, which means that despite the transfer window not actually opening stateside until Wednesday, the 26 squads are well on their way to being put together.
The bigger transfers may well be still to come in the league, but we have already had the various drafts and the trade period open so there has been a lot of movement among the clubs already. Here are my top five inner competition moves:
5. Julian Gressel – Atlanta United to DC United ($750k Targeted Allocation Money)
Position: Versatile midfielder
German midfielder Julian Gressel is an excellent pick up for DC United, albeit at a fair cost. The 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year has enjoyed three wonderful campaigns at Atlanta United, playing a huge part in their MLS Cup success in 2018 as well as their US Open Cup victory last term, so he knows all about winning. With the likes of Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta now departed from Washington, Ben Olsen needed a couple of key players who can fill more than one position, to help with the balance of his squad, especially in the wider areas. Gressel will bring pace, skill, creativity and a winning mentality to Audi Field and looks an excellent acquisition, especially as his arrival weakens a potential rival for glory in the Eastern Conference.
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4. Luis Robles – New York Red Bulls to Inter Miami (Free transfer)
Position: Goalkeeper
Every team needs a good custodian between the sticks right? Well that is even more the case for a new team embarking on their maiden MLS campaign and Inter Miami couldn’t have asked for a better stopper than Luis Robles, the 2015 MLS goalkeeper of the year. The USA international arrived at the New York Red Bulls in 2012 and in the eight seasons since then he has run up 80 shutouts in 261 appearances at Red Bull Arena, making him one of the leaders in that statistic in the league. He doesn’t just keep clean sheets and make eye catching saves, he commands his defence and controls his area and looks set to be a vital asset behind a solid looking back line for Diego Alonso down in Miami this term.
3. Dax McCarty – Chicago Fire to Nashville SC (Trade)
Position: Midfielder
One of the most underrated MLS players in recent seasons has moved again, leaving Chicago Fire to move to the new franchise Nashville SC, where his experience and quality will be much appreciated. Now at his fifth MLS outfit, the 32-year-old commands respect wherever he goes, despite his influence rarely being seen on the stats sheet. He brings so much more to a dressing room than goals and assists, in fact his contribution in that department is minimal, but he gives those with better attacking instincts the freedom to roam in dangerous areas, safe in the knowledge that he is mopping up behind them. He is a solid player who does his job very well with the minimum of fuss and any success Nashville have this term, he will be key towards. I have a lot of time for McCarty as a player and I’m sure the Nashville faithful will too.
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2. Darwin Quintero – Minnesota United to Houston Dynamo (Trade)
Position: Forward
Another MLS veteran has moved this winter with Colombian playmaker Darwin Quintero swapping Minneapolis for Texas and the grey of the Loons for the orange of the Dynamo. This is a huge move for Tab Ramos as he begins his spell in charge at Houston. In two seasons at Minnesota United, Quintero found the net on 21 occasions and contributed to plenty more goals by way of assists. His game style should suit Houston nicely, with pace all around him and him already having a relationship with key striker Christian Ramirez, who he played with in Minnesota. Houston traditionally create a number of chances and he’ll maintain that tradition, but he’ll also find the back of the net on plenty of occasions himself. The 32-year-old was key in Minnesota reaching the postseason last term, and he could well have a similar impact at the BBVA Stadium too.
1. Darlington Nagbe – Atlanta United to Columbus Crew (Trade)
Position: Midfielder
We have reached number one and it is one of the biggest money trades that MLS has ever seen as the Columbus Crew have given up more than one million dollars of various allocated money to secure the two-time MLS Cup winner, who is a vital cog in the wheel of any side. You could argue that Portland Timbers have never replaced the box-to-box midfielder and he leaves a huge hole in the heart of the Atlanta United side, and could be the difference between another early postseason exit and going all the way for the Columbus Crew. The America international is comfortable with the ball at his feet, can make his way forward when necessary, but has that experience and class that makes him stand out. The America international is a massive player in MLS, as evidenced by what it took to get him away from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He will be worth it though.
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