MLS transfer market 2026: Embolo, Casemiro, Alexis Sánchez and the summer's biggest moves

The biggest name to arrive in MLS during the 2026 summer market is Swiss striker Breel Embolo, who joined Atlanta United from Stade Rennais on Aug. 23 as a Designated Player signed through 2030. Inter Miami added Brazilian midfielder Casemiro as a free agent on July 22, and CF Montréal brought in Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez on a free on Aug. 11, according to the league's official transfer register. This was also the first season in two decades, leaving aside the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, in which the Secondary Transfer Window ran into September, which let clubs shop at the same time as Europe's big leagues.

Who were the biggest MLS signings of summer 2026?

Source: MLSsoccer.com transfer register.

Why does Breel Embolo matter for Atlanta?

Embolo arrives straight from a World Cup in which, per Atlanta United, he started all six of Switzerland's matches and helped it reach the quarterfinals. The club credits him with 26 goals in 92 international appearances and 100 league goals across Switzerland, Germany and France with Basel, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Schalke, Monaco and Rennes. Coach Tata Martino said in August that he wanted a striker who can both combine with teammates and attack space in the box.

Which MLS club was busiest?

New England was one of the busiest clubs. Besides Harrison and Turner, the Revolution added striker Wilson Harris on a free (July 1), Hungarian midfielder Dániel Gazdag as a free agent on Sept. 1 after he left Columbus by mutual agreement, and center back Joshua Wynder on loan from Benfica (Sept. 3).

Loans inside the league were also common this year, after MLS removed the age limits and caps on intraleague loans. Mexican winger Hirving Lozano, for example, moved from San Diego FC to the LA Galaxy on loan on Aug. 7.

Who left MLS this summer?

The flow went both ways. The register lists several sales to Europe and South America, including Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia to Rangers), Kevin Kelsy (Portland to Rangers), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver to Middlesbrough), Marcel Hartel (St. Louis to Hannover 96) and Felipe Mora (Portland to Atlético de San Luis).

Are clubs still renewing contracts?

Yes. With the window closed, the focus has moved to extensions. Vancouver extended Thomas Müller through the 2027 Sprint Season, keeping the German as a Designated Player, and the LA Galaxy extended goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski through 2028-29. Philadelphia also agreed to bring back U.S. defender Mark McKenzie from Toulouse as a Designated Player, with the deal taking effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Between the end of the window and the roster freeze, about a month before Decision Day on Nov. 7, clubs can still sign out-of-contract free agents. In that stretch, New York City FC also claimed former U.S. defender Matt Miazga off waivers on Sept. 22.