Lionel Messi
May 2026
Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in MLS history with a record-breaking salary. His $28.3 million earnings, boosted by commercial deals, far exceed other stars like Son Heung-min, highlighting a major gap in league compensation structure.
Lionel Messi
May 2026
Lionel Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions after starring in Inter Miami’s 4-2 win over Toronto FC. Messi scored once, assisted twice, and created another goal, leading a dominant attacking display that overwhelmed Toronto despite defensive lapses.
Casemiro
May 2026
Casemiro is in talks to join Inter Miami following his expected departure from Manchester United, with the MLS club emerging as a leading destination despite global interest in the midfielder. Negotiations are complicated by MLS salary restrictions, meaning Casemiro may need to accept reduced wages. Interest from Saudi Arabia remains, but Miami currently appear best positioned to secure his signature.
Neymar
April 2026
Neymar refused to commit to any move away from Santos after fresh MLS rumours surfaced, saying he does not know what comes next. One important correction: current reporting says his Santos contract runs through the end of 2026, not just this year. After Santos were booed off following the Copa Sudamericana draw, Neymar was asked directly about a possible transfer and responded that he intends to respect his contract. The latest transfer noise has linked him with FC Cincinnati, but there is no confirmed deal.
Bradley Wright-Phillips
April 2026
Former New York Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips has warned Cristiano Ronaldo against ending his career in MLS, arguing that he may struggle to match Lionel Messi’s impact in the league and could damage his legacy by making the move. Wright-Phillips’ view is that Messi’s style and current influence at Inter Miami translate more naturally to MLS than Ronaldo’s might at this stage of his career. The warning is based on opinion rather than any confirmed Ronaldo move, but it adds to the ongoing discussion around his post-Saudi future.
Neymar
April 2026
FC Cincinnati have entered preliminary discussions about a possible move for Neymar, reviving MLS interest in the Brazilian after he chose Santos over a United States switch in 2025. The talks are still at an early stage and no deal is close yet.Cincinnati are assessing whether a move is financially and sporting-wise realistic, while also checking Neymar’s level of interest. He remains under contract with Santos through the end of 2026, so any move would depend on much deeper negotiations from here.
Antoine Griezmann
March 2026
Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City is now official, going beyond earlier reports that he was only close to joining. Orlando City announced the signing for July 2026, with Griezmann set to complete the current season at Atletico Madrid before the transfer takes effect. Orlando City said Griezmann has signed through the 2027-28 season with an option for 2028-29, while ESPN reported the deal remains subject to a medical, visa and transfer certificate. The move follows weeks of speculation about his interest in MLS.
Antoine Griezmann
February 2026
Antoine Griezmann is reportedly nearing a mid-season switch to MLS with Orlando City, leaving Atletico during a decisive stretch in Spain and Europe. Negotiations are described as advanced, with Orlando staff travelling to Spain; Griezmann is expected to play a small run of final fixtures including a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg vs Barcelona, then a farewell at home against Real Sociedad.
Casemiro
February 2026
Casemiro is expected to leave Manchester United on a free and is reportedly keen on joining AC Milan, with MLS also monitoring his availability. United opted not to renew and publicly confirmed his departure; after a poor spell late under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, Casemiro has played a key role in Carrick’s recent upturn, boosting his market appeal ahead of a final decision.
