MLS Offseason Sees 11 Biggest Moves

From Berterame to Inter Miami to Timo Werner to San Jose, the league has seen major roster shakeups ahead of the new season.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The 2026 MLS season is officially underway, and a number of teams have made big splashes in the offseason to improve their rosters. From Inter Miami signing German striker Germán Berterame to Minnesota United bringing in James Rodríguez, the league has seen a flurry of high-profile moves. Other notable signings include Stephen Eustáquio to LAFC, Justin Haak and Jakob Glesnes to the LA Galaxy, and Timo Werner joining the San Jose Earthquakes.

Why it matters

These offseason moves have the potential to significantly shift the balance of power in MLS. Clubs are clearly investing heavily to build title-contending rosters, which should lead to an exciting and competitive 2026 season as teams look to unseat defending champions Inter Miami.

The details

Some of the key details on the biggest offseason moves: Germán Berterame, one of the top scorers in Liga MX over the past five years, joins Inter Miami for a reported $15 million fee. James Rodríguez, the Colombia national team star, signed with Minnesota United. LAFC brought in Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustáquio on loan from Porto to help replace the injured Igor Jesus. The LA Galaxy bolstered their defense by signing Justin Haak and Jakob Glesnes. And the San Jose Earthquakes landed German striker Timo Werner to lead their attack.

  • The 2026 MLS season officially kicked off in Matchweek 1.
  • Inter Miami signed Germán Berterame in early February 2026.
  • Minnesota United announced the signing of James Rodríguez on February 8, 2026.
  • LAFC acquired Stephen Eustáquio on loan from Porto on February 6, 2026.
  • The LA Galaxy signed Justin Haak and Jakob Glesnes in December 2025.

The players

Germán Berterame

A 28-year-old striker who has been one of the most consistent goal scorers in Liga MX over the past five seasons, joining Inter Miami in a reported $15 million transfer.

James Rodríguez

The 34-year-old Colombian national team star, who has been capped over 100 times, signed with Minnesota United ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Stephen Eustáquio

The 25-year-old Canadian international midfielder joined LAFC on loan from Portuguese club Porto to help replace the injured Igor Jesus.

Justin Haak

The 24-year-old center back, coming off a career year, signed with the LA Galaxy to bolster their defense.

Jakob Glesnes

The 28-year-old Norwegian center back, regarded as one of the best in MLS, also joined the LA Galaxy in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

MLS teams have been extremely active in the offseason, making a number of high-profile signings to bolster their rosters and challenge for the 2026 MLS Cup. From Inter Miami's spending spree to other clubs like Minnesota United, LAFC, and the LA Galaxy making big moves, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory.