The MLS schedule is moving toward the start of the regular season in February. What that means is MLS teams are trying to reload their rosters during the January transfer window. This year it is a little more unique trying to grab players as the World Cup being pushed into the winter messed up the soccer calendar.
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However, while things may not be business as usual this year, MLS teams are still racing to add some top talent before the season starts. Here’s a look at some players so far and how they factor into the upcoming season.
Charlotte FC adds South American Flavor
Year 1 of the Charlotte FC’s tenure in the MLS didn’t end as hoped. The Crown fired their first manager Miguel Angel Ramirez halfway through the season. Italian boss Christian Lattanzio stepped in and helped guide Charlotte to a 13-3-18 (win-draw-loss) mark last season. That was good enough for ninth place in the Eastern Conference, but kept The Crown out of the postseason.
Charlotte FC only scored 44 goals last season and had a -8 goal differential. The Crown went out and signed Argentine star Enzo Copetti from Racing Club as a designated player. Copetti scored 31 goals in 96 appearances in all competitions with the South American time since 2021.
During the 2022 season, Copetti was the only Racing played to finished with double digit goals with 21. While Copetti’s signing doesn’t make Charlotte FC a favorite to win the league, The Crown are +4000, he may help them challenge for the postseason. Keep an eye out for team points totals as the season approaches.
Rooney grabs some EPL talent
D.C. United manager Wayne Rooney has a monumental rebuilding effort on his hands. The Black-and-Red are +6600 to win the league and will have to battle to make the postseason. Bringing in Polish midfielder Mateusz Klich, who was most recently with Leeds United in the Premier League.
Klich was disappointed with the playing time he was getting in the Premier League. During this season with Leeds, Klich made 14 appearances as a substitute and hadn’t score or recorded an assist. In the previous two seasons, Klich had scored five goals and handed out seven assists.
Defending champions add goaltender depth
Los Angeles FC, which are the favorites at +400 to repeat at MLS Cup champions, didn’t make too many splashes early in the transfer window. The Black and Gold signed Eldin Jakupovic, who was most recently with Everton in the Premier League. This addition looks a little surprising on its face.
Jakupovic didn’t make any appearances during his one year in Everton. His last extensive action came when he played with Hull City from 2012 to 2017. He made 38 appearances for Hull City during this stretch of his career.
Orlando City keeps adding pieces
The Lions added a third Designated Player by bringing Martin Ojeda from the Argentine Primera Division. Ojeda, 24, will provide another strong attacking threat for Orlando City, which is +3300 to win the league. While playing for Godoy Cruz last season, Ojeda served as the team’s captain and scored 32 goals in 97 matches in 2022.
Orlando City has great ambitions for this season. The Lions have made the MLS playoffs in each of the past three seasons and will compete in the CONCACAF Champions League in March. After winning the 2022 US Open Cup, the Lions are eager to find a way to bring home more hardware.