EDITOR'S NOTE: It promises to be a summer Transfer Window unlike we've ever seen, running from August 12 through October 29. We'll have you covered every day of the window with the latest news and updates for each club. Below you'll always find the most recent developments below, as well as an up-to-the-minute snapshot for every club.
And that's a wrap! The Secondary Transfer Window is officially closed in MLS and clubs submitted their final rosters from now until MLS Cup. No changes in or out.
While the final week or two of the window was slow, there were a ton of key moves earlier this summer. It makes sense, of course. The earlier you sign a player, the more he can impact this current season. The delay in international players being signed to making their debut was large because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so teams looked to move quick.
There were Designated Players aplenty scattered across the league, as well as a number of key departures. Here's a quick wrap on the work all 26 active MLS teams conducted as well as the next two expansion sides.
Atlanta United
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Nothing late in the window. What— A coaching change, Pity Martinez departing to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr FC, for an $18 million transfer fee then Marcelino Moreno joining as a DP from Lanus isn't enough?
Transfer window analysis: It was been a busy window for Atlanta United. After their disappointing showing at the MLS is Back Tournament, the club mutually parted ways with head coach Frank de Boer. Then they swapped Pity for Marcelino within a few weeks, all after already adding Erick "Cubo" Torres, winger Jurgen Damm and Paraguayan forward Erik Lopez to their second team.
It's too early to tell whether or not these moves will be fruitful, particularly with Josef Martinez out for the season and Marcelino just settling in.
What comes next: First things first, it's all about the coaching search. The club and Frank de Boer mutually parted ways way back after the MLS is Back Tournament group stage. De Boer has since been appointed head coach of the Dutch national team and even taken the sideline for a handful of games. No rumors of note for Atlanta's coaching search just yet.
Austin FC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Austin FC announced the signing of Paraguayan winger Cecilio Dominguez a few months ago, the club's first-ever Designated Player. He joins from Independiente and spent time with Club America in Liga MX.
Transfer window analysis: Austin landed their first two players in club history in Paraguayan duo Rodney Redes and Dominguez as sporting director Claudio Reyna starts to curate their inaugural roster. Reyna said the signings are indicative of the club's vision to have young, dynamic attack-minded players.
It's too early to analyze Austin's transfer window. Dominguez and Redes look like exciting attackers, but they're just two players on the 30-man roster.
What comes next: With only two players on the books ahead of their inaugural campaign, expect a flurry of moves immediately following MLS Cup this year, particularly on the domestic side. It's a buyer's market right now with the financial pitfalls across the globe due to the pandemic. There are deals to be had for a club like Austin that need to fill an entire roster.
Charlotte FC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Charlotte added their second-ever player, signing 21-year-old Australian attacking midfielder Riley McGree. He heads immediately on loan to Birmingham City in England's Championship.
Transfer window analysis: Charlotte's entrance to MLS may have been delayed from 2021 to 2022, but their roster build isn't slowing down. Charlotte have already made two signings, with McGree following Spanish midfielder Sergio Ruiz, who is heading on loan to Las Palmas in Spain. Looking for "building blocks", as Sporting director Zoran Krneta Krneta put it in July, Ruiz and McGree are the first pieces of that foundation. Like Austin, it's much too early to judge until more of those blocks come to fruition and there's a clearer inkling of Charlotte's identity and plan.
Even moreso than Austin given Charlotte won't be in MLS next year, it's entirely too early to analyze their window. CLT fans, keep an eye on McGree and Ruiz on loan until then.
What comes next: More signings are expected, but Charlotte aren't rushing. They have plenty of time.
Chicago Fire FC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: After a hugely busy winter, Chicago had a quiet summer with their latest move to pick up the 2021 contract option on defender and club captain Francisco Calvo.
Transfer window analysis: The Fire demolished the sporting foundation this winter and started anew, with a new front office, coaching staff and 17 (!) new players signed. The club have made one addition so far, Colombian youth international defender Carlos Teran who can play both center and right back.
What comes next: This winter the club will have to decide which foundational pieces fit and how to properly accentuate them. Head coach Raphael Wicky has had an encouraging first season in MLS, as have a number of those big signings. Perhaps a defensive upgrade or two could come after big-time additions of Robert Beric, Ignacio Aliseda and others in attack.
FC Cincinnati
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Unfortunately for Cincy, the transfer window closes with them holding the top slot in the Allocation Order. They also inked Brandon Vazquez to a contract extension.
Transfer window analysis: GM Gerard Nijkamp and his staff were busy, continuing to turn over the squad they inherited last summer. Cincy added winger Alvaro Barreal from Velez and defensive midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo, most recently with Brentford, as well as Croatian youth international forward Franko Kovacevic on loan from Hoffenheim. Kovacevic represents the first player transaction in the club's partnership with Hoffenheim. Mokotjo, meanwhile, joined to add some real quality and experience to a midfield corps that needed upgrading while Barreal is an exciting young Argentine youth national.
As for outgoings, Cincy traded away Kekuta Manneh and Fatai Alashe, who didn't appear to be in new head coach Jaap Stam's plans and were inherited by Nijkamp rather than acquired by him. The club and attacker Adrien Regattin mutually agreed to terminate his contract, too.
What comes next: More foundational changes this winter, as the club look to shoot up the Eastern Conference table in 2021. It probably won't happen this winter given he's on loan until next summer, but the club will have to decide whether or not to pick up Jurgen Locadia's $10 million purchase option at some point.
Colorado Rapids
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: The club returned to the field after a month between games due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Prior to that, they sent Kei Kamara to Minnesota United and signed free agent Steven Beitashour is in for the Rapids.
Transfer window analysis: The club wanted to go younger, so it made sense for all parties that Kamara move on, allowing more minutes through the center for Diego Rubio and Andre Shinyashiki. Earlier this window, Braiain Galvan joined as planned after agreeing to a pre-contract deal over the winter.
They were rolling before the COVID outbreak but they still are in position to make the playoffs in 2020, a year the club have pointed to for cap and transfer flexibility. The plan is well underway.
What comes next: One for the future: As part of the club's trade for Kellyn Acosta a few years ago, FC Dallas retained 50% of his future transfer through the Secondary Transfer Window in 2020. Now, if the club were to transfer Acosta to Europe, they wouldn't have to cut Dallas any of the fee.
Columbus Crew SC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: The Crew added another depth piece as the club chase the Supporters' Shield, signing MLS veteran forward Krisztian Nemeth.
Transfer window analysis: The Crew made all of their key additions for this roster either last summer or this winter, so they spent the Secondary Transfer Window accentuating their depth. They acquired midfielder Fatai Alashe from Cincinnati, winger Ema Boateng from D.C. United (in exchange for defender Axel Sjoberg) as well as defender Grant Lillard from Inter Miami. The moves further round out the Crew roster, who are among the strongest teams in MLS.
The depth helped the club tread water with injuries to Darlington Nagbe, Lucas Zelarayan and Eloy Room, but those three players proved extremely difficult to replace even with best-laid plans. When healthy, their strongest XI can compete with any in the league.
What comes next: Columbus pushed their chips to the middle of the table for 2020 but should still be well set for next season and beyond.
D.C. United
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: D.C. picked up form and stayed alive in the playoffs after relieving Ben Olsen of his coaching duties.
Transfer window analysis: United looked to jumpstart a stumbling attack with the additions of Yordy Reyna (for $400k GAM) and Gelmin Rivas. The club have endured a number of key injuries this year, including USMNT winger Paul Arriola, who tore his ACL in February. The club and Arriola agreed to a contract extension this summer.
Much of the moves in the summer were reactionary to injuries and poor form, eventually stabilizing their season.
What comes next: Who replaces Olsen on the touchline for 2021? It's the club's first coaching search in a decade. Once that's settled, D.C. will finetune the club's tactical identity and target new additions accordingly.
FC Dallas
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Dallas inked US youth international defender Justin Che to a Homegrown Player deal, making the 16-year-old the 30th player signed out of their academy, as their last move before the window shut.
Transfer window analysis: Feels like a while ago, but Dallas transferred Homegrown right back Reggie Cannon to Boavista in a big transfer then signed fellow Homegrown right back Bryan Reynolds to a long-term extension shortly thereafter. Reynolds impressed immediately and is the club's first choice right back.
They added to the squad from abroad, too. FCD signed Andres Ricuarte, a 28-year-old attacking midfielder who has settled in MLS very quickly, as well as Brazilian youth int'l GK Phelipe Megiolaro, who has yet to make his MLS debut. DP forward Franco Jara joined after signing a pre-contract in the winter.
What comes next: What to do with their current crop of hugely talented Homegrown talent? Will Paxton Pomykal, Jesus Ferreira, Ricardo Pepi or anyone else follow Cannon to Europe?
Houston Dynamo
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: The club's latest move was acquiring young Argentine forward Mateo Bajamich.
Transfer window analysis: The big move saw Alberth Elis transferring to Boavista, thus ending that era in the club's history. The deal sees the Dynamo recoup some compensation for a player they risked losing for free after the season. The club then signed Bajamich, another highly rated young attacker. Previously, as the squad evolved under head coach Tab Ramos, Houston beefed up the midfield ranks by adding Wilfried Zahibo from the Revolution in a deal that saw Tommy McNamara head East. They also signed forward Ariel Lassiter on loan from Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense.
What comes next: Just like the question is asked of Elis every transfer window, how much longer will Mauro Manotas be in Houston? After watching Elis nearly wind down his contract and leave for free, how will that impact their decisions on Manotas?
Los Angeles Football Club
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: LAFC made a few moves to bolster their defense in recent weeks, signing Colombian center back Jesus David Murillo as well as adding right back Mark Segbers on loan from USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC.
Transfer window analysis: It's early, but returns thus far on Murillo are good. He looks like the long-term for Walker Zimmerman? He and fellow Colombian center back Eddie Segura have the makings of a formidable partnership in defense as the attack gets healthy with Carlos Vela back from injury.
Earlier in the summer, the club have added Andy Najar, Mohamed Traore, Kwadwo Opuku as well as the club's first three Homegrown signings. LAFC also mutually parted ways with forward Adama Diomande earlier in the window.
What comes next: With talent all over the pitch, focus shifts to European overtures for Uruguayan international wingers Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez. What does the future hold?
LA Galaxy
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: After a poor run of form leaving the Galaxy bottom of the Western Conference, the club relieved head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto of his duties.
Transfer window analysis: It was a tumultuous few months on the field for Los Angeles. Off it, they signed forward Yony Gonzalez and former US youth national team GK Jonathan Klinsmann. Yep, that's the son of former USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann.
The pair represent the Galaxy's two key additions of the summer, while Aleksandar Katai departed in June. No defensive reinforcements arrived for the team that currently have conceded the league's third-most goals.
What comes next: Reports are starting about the future of Cristian Pavon, who is on loan from Boca Juniors. The loan expires after the season and the Galaxy have reportedly told Boca they want to renegotiate the $20 million purchase option, set long before the COVID-19 pandemic. That'll be one of many huge sagas around the Galaxy this winter, alongside their coaching search and the future of Chicharito.
Inter Miami CF
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Apparently one Higuain wasn't enough, so Miami traded for Federico Higuain.
Transfer window analysis: It was a huge Secondary Transfer Window for Miami. They signed global stars Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi after a blockbuster deal to bring Leandro Gonzalez Pirez back to MLS from Club Tijuana. LGP, Higuain and Matuidi immediately jumped straight into the starting XI, boosting an already solid group.
Miami also traded veterans Lee Nguyen (to New England) and Roman Torres (to Seattle). Both players were little used by head coach Diego Alonso. Let's see if it translates to a playoff berth in year one.
What comes next: With all three DP slots filled and most regular roster spots accounted for, will the winter be about continuity for a talented group? There is sure to be another surprise.
Nashville SC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Nashville acquired talented winger Handwalla Bwana from the Seattle Sounders in exchange for Jimmy Medranda and $225,000 GAM.
Transfer window analysis: With a strong base built in the winter, a few key attacking additions helped push Nashville up the table. Bwana is the latest addition from a busy window for Nashville, with DP forward Jhonder Cadiz as the big acquisition. The Venezuelan is the club's third DP in their expansion season. Nashville also traded for Alex Muyl, as his arrival proved a valuable presence on either wing. They also added USYNT GK Brady Scott, then loaned him out.
They already qualified for the playoffs. How far can this group go?
What comes next: Cadiz is the club's third DP, but they could open another slot by buying down Randall Leal's cap hit with allocation money should another opportunity arise.
Minnesota United FC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: One of the few official moves on deadline day, Minnesota signed a trio of players from Reno 1886: Defender Sam Gleadle, forward Foster Langsdorf and midfielder Kevin Partida.
Transfer window analysis: The club's blockbuster trade of USYNT forward Mason Toye to the Impact wasn't even Minnesota's biggest move of the window.
They acquired attacker Emanuel Reynoso from Boca Juniors on a DP deal, a huge capture for a player head coach Adrian Heath believes is already "one of the best players in the league." The 24-year-old regular with Boca will look to make his mark in MLS immediately. They also acquired another long-term target, defender Bakaye Dibassy from French club Amiens. The versatile center back/left back spent a number of seasons playing regularly in Ligue 1. Oh, yeah, Kei Kamara arrived too.
What comes next: What will the winter hold for Young DP Thomas Chacon? The Uruguayan attacker has found playing time hard to come by in Minnesota and Heath noted the club were "actively pursuing" a loan move for him this window.
Montreal Impact
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: In a big shakeup, DP Saphir Taider departed for Saudi Arabian club Al Ain.
Transfer window analysis: Montreal's biggest incoming of the window comes via a huge trade, acquiring USYNT forward Mason Toye from Minnesota United. The talented youngster didn't find playing time easy to come by in Minnesota and now links up with his childhood idol Thierry Henry in Montreal.
Elsewhere: Luis Binks will leave for sister club Bologna after the season though he said he "wouldn't mind" another year in Montreal. The Impact also added 20-year-old Ugandan defender Mustafa Kizza this summer, but he won't join the club until 2021, as well as a pair of Homegrowns ahead of the tournament, with defender Keesean Ferdinand and midfielder Tomas Giraldo joining the first team.
What comes next: With Taider gone, the club now have two DP slots open. Big decisions for L'Impact this winter.
New England Revolution
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: The Revs conducted much of their work early in the transfer window.
Transfer window analysis: New England tweaked their roster a bit, with Matt Polster highlighting the club's additions after joining from Rangers. Tommy McNamara, Kekuta Manneh and Lee Nguyen followed Polster to the club under Bruce Arena. Polster immediately slotted in at defensive midfield, offsetting the fact that Wilfried Zahibo was part of the package to acquire McNamara.
With Carles Gil back from injury way ahead of schedule, New England will be a difficult playoff opponent for anyone in the East.
What comes next: A deep and balanced squad, there are no obvious needs for the Revs this winter. Let's see how Arena and co. boost the roster.
New York City FC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: It's official: Alexandru Mitrita has departed NYCFC. The club loaned the Designated Player to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli Saudi FC through January 31, 2022. The deal includes a purchase option.
Transfer window analysis: Mitrita's loan is the club's lone key move of the Secondary Transfer Window, leaving the club's attack very different than it was set to be in the preseason, with Mitri gone and Heber out for the season. Maxi Moralez is back after injuries, though.
The club opted not to sign an attacking replacement for Mitrita nor Heber, though they were already deep with Taty Castellanos, Jesus Medina and much more.
What comes next: Mitrita's move opened a coveted DP slot, while Medina's contract is structured that he reportedly won't be a DP next year, NYCFC could be in for a huge winter.
New York Red Bulls
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: The New York Red Bulls signed 17-year-old midfielder Caden Clark to an MLS contract a few weeks ago and he immediately made his mark in the league as one of the brightest talents.
Transfer window analysis: It's been quite the busy transfer window for the Red Bulls. The club made two key signings of midfielder Dru Yearwood as a Young DP and Ghanian international forward Samuel Tetteh on loan from RB Salzburg, traded Homegrown winger Alex Muyl to Nashville SC and made a coaching change. They parted ways with Chris Armas and moved quickly to hire Gerhard Struber, who is still awaiting his MLS coaching debut due to travel issues.
What comes next: Struber's style will see the club push even harder on the press. Which players on the roster best fit that style and who will they bring in?
Orlando City SC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Orlando acquired winger Alexander Alvarado on loan from Ecuadorian side S.D. Aucas with a permanent transfer option for after the 2020 season.
Transfer window analysis: Alvarado was the club's second attacking addition of the Secondary Transfer Window, following Brazilian forward Matheus Aias. First-round SuperDraft selection Daryl Dike has since enjoyed a breakout up top.
The club's revolution under Oscar Pareja happened fast, with the club turning heads for stellar performances at the tournament en route to arriving in the final. They are currently preparing for their first trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs in club history.
What comes next: There should be plenty of flexibility in the offseason for further additions to the strong squad.
Philadelphia Union
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Cory Burke is back! The Jamaican forward returned to the Union after 18 months away due to visa issues.
Transfer window analysis: The big news to come out of Philly this summer was the historic transfer of Brenden Aaronson to RB Salzburg, effective January 1. He will move for an initial fee of $6 million, which could rise to $9 million, per sources.
Aaronson and co. are firmly in chase for the club's first-ever trophy, battling for the Supporters' Shield and will be among the favorites for MLS Cup. Outside of Burke returning, they didn't make any senior additions this summer with a strong starting XI and some depth. The club announced the Homegrown signings of 17-year-old midfielder Jack McGlynn and 16-year-old midfielder Paxten Aaronson to a Homegrown contract. Both deals kick in for the 2021 season as both players will remain with Union II.
What comes next: With Aaronson's deal official, eyes shift to Mark McKenzie's future. McKenzie has been heavily linked with Celtic.
Portland Timbers
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Nothing in or out for Portland since June.
Transfer window analysis: Minimal movement for the Timbers, but a key swap. Right back Jorge Moreira returned to River Plate at the end of his loan as the two sides couldn't reach an agreement on a permanent transfer. GM Gavin Wilkinson expressed hope that a deal could be struck in the future, though. On the same day, the Timbers brought Venezuelan right back Pablo Bonilla from their USL affiliate to the first team. He and Chris Duvall have largely deputized right back.
What comes next: When Moreira left there were talks that perhaps a deal would be found for his return, but that didn't materialize.
Real Salt Lake
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: All quiet for RSL.
Transfer window analysis: No incomings or outgoings just yet for RSL, though they inked Homegrown talent Bode Davis to a contract for 2021. Expect a much busier offseason.
What comes next: TBD. Matt Doyle argues that it depends on the future of Albert Rusnak: If the attacker stays, then Doyle reckons RSL should look for a forward but if he goes then he'll need replacing.
San Jose Earthquakes
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: A turbulent summer on the field but a staid one off it.
Transfer window analysis: The squad head coach Matias Almeyda inherited when he took over ahead of the 2018 season isn't all that much different than where it is today. The club added one senior signing this winter (Oswaldo Alanis) while Magnus Eriksson, who had been a regular over the last two seasons, departed.
What comes next: Keep an eye on #WondoWatch. Chris Wondolowski told ESPN's Taylor Twellman that he's reconsidering his plans to retire after the 2020 season. He's still banging in goals and playing regular minutes, after all.
Seattle Sounders
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: The Sounders traded Handwalla Bwana to Nashville in exchange for Jimmy Medranda and $225,000 in GAM. The talented winger found playing time hard to come by in the strong Seattle attack.
Transfer window analysis: The reigning MLS Cup champs are poised to make another deep playoff run. They even brought back a few familiar faces for the stretch run.
Seattle signed Brad Smith as a free agent, nine months after the player departed the club after a successful loan, then added Roman Torres. Both players started in Seattle's 2019 MLS Cup victory. Smith is the major coup of the summer for the club so far as the Sounders look to make another run at MLS Cup, as well as Torres to add to their depth in central defense. They also signed a trio of academy players to Homegrown deals ahead of the MLS is Back Tournament and that remains their only summer business thus far.
What comes next: The rumor mill has linked Seattle with Cyle Larin while Nico Lodeiro is reported to be a target of an unnamed Saudi club. DeAndre Yedlin will be available to sign a pre-contract agreement on January 1, too.
Sporting KC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: Sporting KC signed USYNT forward Wilson Harris to a Homegrown deal.
Transfer window analysis: Harris is the club's only official addition this summer, while center back Botond Barath departed after little more than a season in MLS. They shattered their club-record transfer fee to acquire Alan Pulido this winter and early results suggest it was a shrewd investment.
What comes next: At some point over the next few months, SKC will have to decide whether or not to pick up Gadi Kinda's purchase option. Ditto for Winston Reid. There's also the future of Gianluca Busio, as ESPN's Taylor Twellman reports that the player has many suitors in Europe.
Toronto FC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: TFC signed their 25th academy graduate to a first team contract, as 18-year-old Canada youth international center mid Ralph Priso joins the first team.
Transfer window analysis: Quiet summer for Toronto as expected with their veteran, championship-contending squad mostly set. Tony Gallacher and Priso are the only additions so far. Midfielder Noble Okello has been loaned to the Danish second division side HB Koge, joining TFC center back Rocco Romeo at the Danish club.
What comes next: With a core of Jozy Altidore, Alejandro Pozuelo, Michael Bradley, Pablo Piatti, Omar Gonzalez and Chris Mavinga, TFC will be among the top contenders for MLS Cup for the immediate future. They also have solid depth all over the pitch, including a number of young Homegrowns earning minutes.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Updated: Fri., Oct. 30 @ 11 a.m. ET
Here's the latest: The Whitecaps made the loan of Ranko Veselinovic a permanent transfer, keeping the Serbian youth international center back in Vancouver for the foreseeable future.
Transfer window analysis: It's been a busy window for Vancouver. They sent Yordy Reyna to D.C. United in exchange for $400,000 of 2021 General Allocation Money, this comes after moving Inbeom Hwang to Russia's Rubin Kazan in August. They also added Evan Bush amid their goalkeeping crisis.
The Whitecaps also loaned midfielder and academy product Simon Colyn to Italian club SPAL. The Serie B side have the option to extend the loan and a purchase option.
What comes next: Sporting director Axel Schuster has said on multiple occasions the club are looking for a DP in attacking midfield that will add more goal contributions. That's the biggest storyline in Vancouver for the winter.
