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Major League Soccer clubs continue to lean aggressively into global scouting and long-term squad building, and this latest wave of international acquisitions shows exactly how front offices are positioning themselves for sustained success rather than short-term fixes. From established South American attackers to emerging European midfield talent and high-upside young defenders, the newest signings reflect a league increasingly comfortable competing in the international transfer market.
At Pro Merch, we’re tracking every move shaping the modern MLS era—and this latest batch of arrivals offers a clear snapshot of how ambitious clubs are strengthening their rosters across multiple competitive cycles. Supporters following these players can also gear up through our curated selection of official soccer apparel and gear in the Pro Merch soccer collection.
Austin FC make a statement with the signing of Facundo Torres
Austin FC delivered one of the most eye-catching moves of the window by completing the signing of Facundo Torres from Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras. The 25-year-old Uruguayan international arrives with a proven MLS résumé and international experience, instantly raising the attacking ceiling for an Austin side determined to reestablish itself among the Western Conference contenders.
Torres has been signed through the 2029–30 season, with a club option for 2030–31, signaling that this is not a short-term gamble but a foundational piece of the club’s attacking core. He will occupy a Designated Player slot, joining Brandon Vazquez and Myrto Uzuni in what now becomes one of the most dangerous front lines in the conference on paper.
For Austin, Torres offers tactical flexibility. He is equally comfortable operating as a wide attacker, an inverted winger, or in more central attacking roles, giving the coaching staff far greater freedom to adapt formations and match plans. His pace, ability to carry the ball through pressure, and consistent end-product make him a natural fit for a club that has prioritized vertical attacking play and transition speed.
The move also reinforces MLS’s growing ability to retain and re-attract high-level talent that once moved on to larger South American markets. For supporters, Torres’ arrival immediately elevates expectations and puts Austin firmly back into the playoff conversation.
LAFC invest in the future with Swedish midfielder Amin Boudri
LAFC continue to refine their reputation as one of the league’s most aggressive and forward-thinking talent developers with the acquisition of 21-year-old Swedish midfielder Amin Boudri.
Boudri joins from Swedish top-flight side GAIS and will occupy a coveted U22 Initiative roster spot, allowing LAFC to build depth and future value without sacrificing current salary cap flexibility. As a youth international for Sweden, Boudri arrives with a profile that fits LAFC’s identity: technically sharp, comfortable receiving under pressure, and capable of operating in multiple midfield roles.
The move aligns with LAFC’s broader strategy of blending experienced stars with high-upside young players who can be developed into long-term contributors—or valuable future assets. In an increasingly congested MLS schedule that includes domestic competition, international tournaments and expanded postseason formats, midfield depth and rotational quality are becoming essential.
Boudri’s arrival adds energy, tactical versatility and long-term succession planning to a club that rarely stands still in the global marketplace.
LA Galaxy keep Matheus Nascimento in Southern California
Stability and continuity were clearly the priorities for the LA Galaxy in their decision to extend Matheus Nascimento’s loan from Botafogo.
The 21-year-old Brazilian youth international enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign in Los Angeles, contributing six goals and four assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. Those numbers only tell part of the story. Nascimento’s ability to link midfield and attack, stretch defensive lines and occupy multiple forward positions made him a valuable tactical option throughout the season.
By extending the loan, the Galaxy avoid the risk of re-entering the market for a similar profile while maintaining momentum in their attacking development. For a club rebuilding its identity around younger, dynamic talent, keeping Nascimento ensures continuity in playing style and chemistry.
The decision also reflects a broader league trend: rather than constantly reshaping rosters each season, clubs are increasingly prioritizing player retention and multi-year development arcs to maximize performance and squad cohesion.
CF Montréal strengthen their back line with Tomás Avilés
CF Montréal added important defensive depth by acquiring 21-year-old Argentine center back Tomás Avilés on loan from Inter Miami.
Avilés arrives with championship pedigree despite his young age. He was part of Inter Miami’s MLS Cup-winning squad in 2025 and also contributed to the club’s success in the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield campaigns in recent seasons. That exposure to high-pressure matches, elite attacking opponents and congested schedules is invaluable for a defender still in the early stages of his professional career.
For Montréal, Avilés brings athleticism, aerial presence and positional discipline to a back line that has been seeking greater consistency. His arrival also provides valuable competition for minutes, raising the overall standard within the defensive unit.
Loan deals of this type continue to serve as strategic tools for MLS clubs—allowing them to evaluate young players in real match environments without committing long-term roster resources prematurely.
Real Salt Lake land experienced midfield organizer Stijn Spierings
In a move that balances youth-focused acquisitions elsewhere in the league, Real Salt Lake secured a proven European professional by acquiring 29-year-old midfielder Stijn Spierings from Danish Superliga side Brøndby IF.
A former Netherlands youth international, Spierings brings a different profile than many of the younger arrivals around MLS. His experience in structured European systems, ability to control tempo, and comfort dictating play from deeper midfield roles provide immediate tactical value.
For Real Salt Lake, the signing addresses a critical need for composure and leadership in central areas of the pitch. As MLS continues to become faster and more transition-heavy, teams that can slow matches down, manage possession and protect leads remain at a competitive advantage.
Spierings is expected to play a stabilizing role that allows attacking players greater freedom higher up the field, while also strengthening the team’s defensive organization through positional awareness and distribution.
A transfer window that reflects MLS’s evolving identity
Collectively, these five moves highlight how MLS clubs are increasingly blending global recruitment models with long-term roster planning frameworks. Designated Player investments, U22 Initiative slots, strategic loans and targeted veteran acquisitions are now all being used in parallel to construct deeper, more flexible squads.
From Austin FC’s headline-grabbing attacking upgrade to LAFC’s youth pipeline expansion, from LA Galaxy’s continuity play to CF Montréal’s defensive reinforcement and Real Salt Lake’s midfield leadership addition, the league’s competitive profile continues to mature rapidly.
For fans tracking these signings and representing their clubs in style, Pro Merch remains a go-to destination for premium team gear, supporter apparel and match-day essentials across the soccer landscape through our dedicated Pro Merch soccer shop.
As MLS accelerates its transformation into a globally connected league, this transfer window makes one thing clear: the race for relevance, trophies and international credibility is no longer slowing down—and the next wave of stars is already arriving.