The 2024 Major League Soccer season is approaching quickly and teams across the league are still doing deals to strengthen their squads before the start of the new campaign.
A few big signings have been struck, as has become an annual tradition in MLS ever since the Designated Player rule was enacted. Luis Suarez signed on to join his friend Leo Messi at Inter Miami, while Emil Forsberg is now a New York Red Bulls player, and French keeper Hugo Lloris has joined Los Angeles FC. The under-the-radar deals, however, could be just as important as these big-name splashes. Here are five of the best signings.
Maxime Crepeau (Portland Timbers)
LAFC’s surprising signing of Lloris meant Maxime Crepeau was pushed out the exit door at BMO Stadium following the expiration of his contract. The Portland Timbers moved quickest to sign the Canadian international who has earned himself a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS over the last few seasons.
Portland have established a core of Canadian players with Kamal Miller, James Pantemis and Zac McGraw also on the books at Providence Park. The Timbers were defensively vulnerable last season and so the hope is that Crepeau’s arrival as the new number one will help tighten things up at the back.
Julian Gressel (Inter Miami)
Inter Miami have made the most notable signing of the off-season so far with Suarez joining to play with Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in South Florida. However, the addition of Julian Gressel, who was a key part of last season’s MLS Cup-winning Columbus Crew team, could be the smartest piece of business they do in 2024.
Gressel is a natural facilitator. The 30-year-old is an exceptional crosser and could be the perfect supply line for Messi and Suarez this season. Inter Miami have the stars to win matches, but they need cohesion players to help them challenge for the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup. Gressel could be one of them.
Nicolas Lodeiro (Orlando City)
It will take some time to get used to the sight of Nicolas Lodeiro in an MLS shirt that isn’t the Seattle Sounders’. The Uruguayan is a legend in the Pacific Northwest, but has pitched up in Central Florida to play for a team that appears to be on an upward trajectory after a positive 2023 campaign.
Mauricio Pereyra left Orlando City at the end of last season and so there is a vacant number 10 position for Lodeiro to fill. Lodeiro can also look forward to playing with Luis Muriel ahead of him with the Colombian forward expected to complete a move to MLS from Atalanta in the coming weeks.
Dax McCarty (Atlanta United)
Dax McCarty is an MLS stalwart and he could give Atlanta United some much-needed steel in the centre of the pitch, even as a veteran. The 36-year-old is well into the twilight of his career and is about to start his 19th season in MLS, but the fact he started 23 of his 27 appearances for Nashville last season proves he still has plenty to offer.
Atlanta United have the attacking talent to make a real impression this season – although keeping hold of Thiago Almada could prove difficult in the summer – but McCarty will help give them structure and leadership in central midfield. His minutes might have to be managed, but Atlanta have made a smart signing.
Diego Rubio (Austin FC)
Last season was a frustrating one for Diego Rubio as he struggled for fitness as a Colorado Rapids player. However, the 30-year-old’s ability isn’t in question and there’s a lot to suggest he will be a shrewd acquisition for Austin FC who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2023 campaign.
Rubio is a creative force and a goal threat in the attacking third of the pitch. If Austin FC can get the Chilean fit enough to feature in the majority of matches this season, he could become one of their most important players. The Texans have taken a risk, but the game could be one that ultimately pays off.
