MLS Secondary Window Sprints By: How Top-Tier Transfers Will Reshape the League

The MLS Secondary Transfer Window is in full swing, and a number of high-profile signings are poised to dramatically alter the league's playoff picture. From international superstars arriving to challenge for silverware to key signings filling crucial voids, teams are making bold moves to prepare for the final push of the season.

Undoubtedly, the biggest headliners are South Korean legend Son Heung-min joining LAFC and World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul heading to Inter Miami. But they are just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s break down how some of these star acquisitions will impact their new teams.

Son Heung-min → LAFC: The New Standard in L.A.

LAFC has sent a clear message to the league with their signing of Son Heung-min. The club has reportedly shattered the MLS record for a transfer fee, paying a staggering $26.5 million. At 33 years old, the Tottenham Hotspur legend and South Korean international is still one of the most lethal and consistent forwards in the world. He arrives fresh off a Premier League season where he contributed 15 non-penalty goals.

Son's elite vision and playmaking are a massive asset; according to FBref, he was in the 95th percentile for expected assisted goals per 90 minutes among attacking midfielders and wingers last season. The fascinating challenge for head coach Steve Cherundolo will be integrating Son with star winger Denis Bouanga, as both players are at their best cutting in from the left side. Despite this, the sheer firepower of having both players on the attack will lead to an abundance of goals in Los Angeles.

Rodrigo De Paul → Inter Miami CF: The Missing Piece

It's hard to imagine a more perfect fit for Inter Miami's star-studded roster than Rodrigo De Paul. With a lineup that features Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets, the team needed a hardworking, two-way central midfielder to do the dirty work. De Paul, a LaLiga and World Cup winner, is an ideal fit.

He averaged 5.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League last season and was in the 97th percentile for progressive passes and 88th for progressive carries. He combines the grit of a young box-to-box midfielder with the finesse of a top-tier veteran. His impact was immediate, as he secured a crucial equalizer against Pumas UNAM and provided two assists in a recent Leagues Cup win, proving he is a vital piece of the puzzle.

Thomas Müller → Vancouver Whitecaps FC: A German Legend Arrives

Vancouver is going all-in for a Supporters' Shield and a run at the MLS Cup. The club made a massive statement by acquiring German national team and Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller. The 35-year-old’s minutes in Germany had been declining, but he still started 12 league matches for Bayern last year.

Müller is a master of off-ball movement and is known for his vision and one-touch passing. His arrival is perfectly timed to fill the playmaking void left by the departure of Pedro Vite. With an almost spotless injury record despite his age, Müller is set to become a massive threat in head coach Jesper Sørensen's fluid possession system, raising the team’s ceiling and providing a chance to make club history.

Wessam Abou Ali → Columbus Crew: Filling the Void

The Columbus Crew has successfully addressed the loss of striker Cucho Hernández by signing Wessam Abou Ali from Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. General Manager Issa Tall describes Abou Ali as a "complete striker" who can occupy the box, press opposing defenses, and combine with his teammates.

While Abou Ali may not have the same playmaking ability as Hernández, his versatile attacking skillset and proven ability to convert chances—38 goals in 4,200 minutes for Al Ahly—make him a strong fit for Wilfried Nancy's system. He will get a high volume of chances to score, and his willingness to press and recover the ball makes him an ideal leader for the front line.

Matt Turner → New England Revolution: A Return to the Post

It's rare for an MLS team to use a Designated Player spot on a goalkeeper, but Matt Turner is a worthy exception. A former MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for the Revolution, Turner returns on a year-long loan. During his first stint, he saved 28.3 more goals than expected over four seasons.

Turner’s return is a major upgrade in goal, especially since the team's current starter has allowed 3.5 more goals than expected this season. With New England struggling in 11th place, Turner's motivation to regain his starting spot on the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup will surely fuel a series of best-in-class performances, providing a much-needed lift for the club.

Nicolás Fernández Mercau → New York City FC: A New Playmaking DP

New York City FC has found their next attacking midfield target in Nicolás Fernández Mercau from LaLiga. The 25-year-old Argentine has already made an immediate impact, providing a crucial assist for the game-winning goal in a recent MLS match.

With a clever left foot and a penchant for dribbling past defenders, Fernández Mercau offers manager Pascal Jansen a versatile and dynamic option in the attacking midfield. He can play as an inverted left winger or as a No. 10, providing both playmaking and positional flexibility. With Maxi Moralez nearing the end of his legendary career, Fernández Mercau looks poised to step into that primary playmaker role for years to come.

Rwan Cruz → Real Salt Lake: A Versatile Attacker Joins the Fold

Real Salt Lake has been busy shoring up their attack, and a key addition is Rwan Cruz, who arrives as a Designated Player on a loan from Botafogo. The 24-year-old Brazilian is an intriguing and positionally flexible attacker who offers a change of pace for Pablo Mastroeni’s frontline.

Cruz is versatile in the attack, capable of playing in a two-striker formation or taking on a more dynamic, dribble-focused role. He offers a set of skills that have been lacking since Andrés Gómez left, including the ability to drop between lines for playmaking or to extend the field and outpace defenders. With Cruz joining the ranks of other recent attacking signings, Salt Lake has effectively met their offensive needs and is now keen to observe how it all unfolds on the field.