GOAL looks at some of the best MLS players who swapped teams ahead of the 2025 season, and what the moves could mean
The offseason build up to the 2025 MLS campaign has been blockbuster. MLS clubs spent more money than ever on roster additions, as teams gear up for what they hope to be successful runs in league's 30th season.
With outside transfers from all over the world – players coming to MLS from Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia – the league has utilized all of its resources in recent years to scout and strengthen rosters. Within the league, as well, teams have started to deal internally to secure talent. Sometimes a simple change of scenery is all that is needed to unlock a player's magic.
The New England Revolution made their case with Leonardo Campana, bringing the Ecuadorian over from Inter Miami, because he was stalling for minutes behind Luis Suarez – paying a mix of Allocation Money adding up to a reported $2M. The Seattle Sounders played ball too, sending over a mix of Allocation Money adding up to $2.3M by the end of 2026, plus winger Leo Chu, for FC Dallas' star Jesus Ferreira.
Implemented after both the Ferreira and Campana deals in January, MLS has a new mechanism called Cash for Players – and it's been utilized widely for intra-league trades. No assets, no Allocation Money and no intricate details – just cash.
The Houston Dynamo brought in U.S. international Jack McGlynn from the Philadelphia Union, and FC Cincinnati saw Luciano Acosta depart to FC Dallas – but used those funds to bring in Evander from the Portland Timbers. All three deals were done under the new mechanism. It's created a new transfer market within the league, with familiar faces heading off to new places.
GOAL looks at five transfers, offering insight into why it was the right timing for each player, and whether or not it was the right move for each club.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowUSA Today ImagesLucho Acosta: FC Cincinnati to FC Dallas
Rumors of Acosta's departure from FCC began after the club exited the 2024 MLS postseason in November. The Argentine said publicly that it was "maybe the end" of his tenure in the Queen City. And months on, after rumors swirled of a return to his native Argentina, he remained in MLS, moving to FC Dallas for a reported $5M fee.
The 2023 MLS MVP, Acosta is one of MLS' most talented players, and arguably the best attacking midfielder in the league over the past two seasons. He is a four-time MLS Best XI selection and three-time MLS All-Star. Across his time in MLS with both FCC and D.C. United – where he played from 2016-2018 – he scored 72 goals and recorded 97 assists in 251 regular season matches.
At FCD, he will be a part of their new-look attack under head coach Eric Quill, where he will look to form a formidable partnership with star striker Petar Musa. For FCC, it was the perfect resolution for a player who wanted to leave, while Dallas gained a bonafide star in the 30-year-old.
AdvertisementGettyLeonardo Campana: Inter Miami to New England Revolution
The Revs had one of MLS' largest roster turnovers from the end of 2024 into the 2025 season, but Campana – so far – has been their biggest get as Caleb Porter looks to put a woeful 2024 season behind them. The Ecuadorian is set to be the new centerpiece of their attack, and is finally being handed the reigns after being stuck as a second-string attacker alongside Lionel Messi and Co. at South Beach.
The 24-year-old Ecuador international is the second all-time leading scorer with 32 goals across all competitions, and is a known commodity across the league. It's a dream signing for Porter, and arguably one of the best this offseason, as the Revs create a new-look attack featuring Campana and star midfielder Carles Gil, as well as club-record signing Luca Langoni.
For Miami, it could be a move that comes back to haunt them, considering Suarez turned 38 in January, and looks to be coming to the closing stages of his career. However, their loss is the Rev's gain, as New England now has a frightening striker who should bring them back into competitive contention in the East.
Evander: Portland Timbers to FC Cincinnati
Acosta's exit from FCC made way for Evander to move from Portland to Cincinnati – and they made an absolute splash for him. They smashed the intra-league record, acquiring the Brazilian midfielder for a reported $12M, with the 26-year-old being the final puzzle piece to Pat Noonan's new attack in the Eastern Conference.
In 2024, Evander was a member of the MLS Best XI where he scored 15 goals and recorded 19 assists for Phil Neville's side in the Pacific Northwest, numbers trailing only eventual MVP winner Lionel Messi. However, after the end of the season, he had a fall-out with Neville and the Timbers front-office, which resulted in months of transfer rumors.
Eventually a resolution came, and FCC got their man, and Portland made an immense profit. In Cincy, the Brazilian should flourish, paired with brand-new DP striker Kevin Denkey and fellow 2024 MLS All-Star Luca Orellano in their attack.
Portland, meanwhile, has already replaced him with Portuguese midfielder David Da Costa, who they brought in from Ligue 1 side RC Lens. Factor in he has already opened his account for the club in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, there are immense expectations, and loads of excitement, for the Brazilian.
Jesus Ferreira: FC Dallas to Seattle Sounders
Jesus Ferreira, a U.S. international, had his worst season since 2020 last year, and a change of scenery felt inevitable. With the Sounders, he's being offered a fresh start, and theoretically, should flourish in Brian Schmetzer's system. He can play as a center-forward or in an attacking midfielder role, and with his versatility and nose for goal, it should bring him back to his best while elevating the Western Conference side.
He checked every box that Seattle needed this offseason as the club looked to replace DP striker Raul Ruidiaz. The 24-year-old departed FCD as their second all-time leading scorer with 55 goals across all competitions, while internationally, he has scored 15 times in 23 appearances for the USMNT.
For FCD, it felt like the right time to move on from Ferreira, and he needed to seek a new opportunity. It was a perfect deal for both sides as Seattle needed to bolster their attack. The forward made his debut for the club in the CONCACAF Champions Cup midweek, and will look to follow it up with his first MLS appearance with them on Opening Day.
