Most notable MLS transfers in the winter window so far

By Billy McGee - @iambillymcgee

James Rodriguez and Minnesota United Sporting Director Khaled El-Ahmad (Photo courtesy of Major League Soccer)

With the 2026 Major League Soccer season kicking off this weekend, here’s a look at some of the high-profile signings made across the league during the winter transfer window.

James Rodriguez

After numerous rumors over the years that he would be joining MLS, James Rodriguez signed with Minnesota United on a contract through June of 2026 with a club option through December. The 34-year-old attacking midfielder brings his playmaking ability and star power to the Loons, having most recently played for Liga MX side Club Leon. The Colombian international is one of the most recognizable names in the sport, breaking out at the 2014 World Cup with six goals and two assists, as well as having stints with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich previously. 

Cristian Espinoza

Nashville SC made a splash in MLS free agency, adding Cristian Espinoza (30) as a designated player to bolster their attack. Since joining the San Jose Earthquakes at age 23 in 2019, Espinoza ranks fourth in MLS goal contributions with 119 (36 goals and 83 assists) and has been named to the MLS All-Star team twice in 2023 and 2025. 

Luca de la Torre

After playing his first MLS season on loan for San Diego FC, Luca de la Torre made a permanent transfer to join Charlotte FC from Celta Vigo. The 27-year-old midfielder started the season playing well for San Diego last season, recording four goals and an assist in his first 17 league appearances before joining the United States Men’s National Team for the Gold Cup. 

Timo Werner

The San Jose Earthquakes signed Timo Werner (29) as a designated player from Red Bull Leipzig. The German international had a very prolific first stint with RB Leipzig from the 2016/17 season through the 2019/20 season, notching 20 or more goal contributions in each season before making a move to join Chelsea. Werner was part of a Chelsea side that won the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup in his two seasons in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

German Berterame

The reigning MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami, added to their squad, signing German Berterame from Liga MX side Monterrey. The Mexican international reached double-digit goals in three of his four seasons with Monterrey. The 27-year-old forward has a stellar track record playing against MLS competition, having recorded seven goals and three assists in the nine games he started against MLS clubs across the Leagues Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Facundo Torres

Austin FC improved its attack by adding a prolific winger with a proven MLS pedigree, Facundo Torres. The 25-year-old Uruguayan international spent three seasons in MLS playing for Orlando City from 2022-2024, tallying 37 goals and 16 assists in regular-season play across those three seasons. After the 2024 season, Torres made the move to join Brazilian side Palmeiras. With Palmeiras, he made nine goal contributions in 29 appearances and finished second in the Brazilian Serie A.

Hector Herrera

After spending two seasons playing in Mexico for Toluca, Hector Herrera (35) is returning to Houston Dynamo FC. The Mexican international had a successful career in Europe, winning the Primeira Liga with Porto in 2017/18 and La Liga with Atletico Madrid in 2020/21 before joining the Dynamo. In his first MLS season, he appeared in just 10 regular-season matches before having a successful 2023 season, where he notched 11 assists in 30 appearances. Following a shaky 2024 season that saw him score just one goal and assist another, he made the move to Toluca. 

Sergio Reguilon

Sergio Reguilon (29) was another high-profile signing for Inter Miami in the MLS offseason. Reguilon joins the MLS Cup winners after spending the last seven seasons with various top-flight clubs in Europe. The Spanish international left back has spent time with Real Madrid, Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Brentford, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Dayne St Clair

The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year with Minnesota United joined Inter Miami in free agency. Dayne St. Clair (28) joined Minnesota United through the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and kept 42 clean sheets in 159 matches for the Loons.

Walker Zimmerman

Toronto FC signed the two-time MLS Defender of the Year, Walker Zimmerman (32), in free agency. Zimmerman has played 13 seasons in MLS for FC Dallas, LAFC, and Nashville SC. Along with his two MLS Defender of the Year Awards, the USMNT defender has been named to the MLS Best XI five times and selected to the MLS All-Star team four times.