USMNT players on the move: McKenzie back to the Union, Miazga to NYCFC and the Sullivan rumor

Several U.S. men's national team players have changed clubs this summer and fall. The biggest confirmed move is Mark McKenzie's return to the Philadelphia Union: the club announced on Sept. 30 that the 30-cap center back will rejoin as a Designated Player from Toulouse, with a contract that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027, and runs through 2029-30, plus a club option for 2030-31. Matt Miazga, Damion Downs and Matt Turner also landed in MLS over the past three months.

Confirmed moves involving U.S. internationals

Sources: Philadelphia Union, MLSsoccer.com, St. Louis CITY SC.

Why is Mark McKenzie returning to Philadelphia?

McKenzie is a product of the Union academy. He signed a Homegrown deal in 2018, was named to the MLS Best XI in 2020 and finished second in Defender of the Year voting at 21, the season Philadelphia won the Supporters' Shield. He then spent six years in Europe, first at Genk, where he won the Belgian Cup, and then at Toulouse in Ligue 1. The club described the deal as a historic signing, and sporting director Jon Scheer pointed to McKenzie's World Cup appearance with the U.S. this summer. The Union did not disclose a fee.

How did Matt Miazga end up at NYCFC?

FC Cincinnati waived Miazga and used a buyout on his guaranteed contract in September, a decision a source told ESPN was made for roster compliance. NYCFC then claimed the 31-year-old center back through the end of the 2026 season. Miazga was MLS Defender of the Year in 2023 with Cincinnati and came through the Red Bull New York academy, so he now plays for the other side of the Hudson River Derby.

Where does Damion Downs fit in?

Downs joined St. Louis on loan from Southampton and had made five appearances by Sept. 20, when he was named to Mauricio Pochettino's 28-player roster for the four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. He debuted for the senior national team in 2025 and played four matches at that year's Gold Cup, according to his club.

Rumor: Real Madrid and Barcelona watching Cavan Sullivan

This item is a rumor, not a confirmed move. On Sept. 18, ESPN's transfer roundup cited the English site TEAMtalk as reporting that Real Madrid and Barcelona are following Cavan Sullivan's development and could try to sign him later if he does not quickly break into Manchester City's first team. Sullivan has already agreed to join City when he turns 18. Neither Spanish club has commented.

What is confirmed is his form. The Union midfielder was named MLS Player of the Month for September, the youngest winner in league history at 17 years and two days, after nine goal contributions in four games. He has seven goals and 12 assists in the regular season, and he made his first USMNT start against Peru on Sept. 26.