6 Biggest Signings of This Summer's MLS Transfer Window

If you thought Major League Soccer (MLS) was just a “retirement league,” it’s time to think again. And fast. This last transfer window was like a tidal wave, crashing down on those outdated ideas that soccer in the U.S. is just a haven for players past their prime. We're no longer just talking about veterans seeking out California sunshine to hang up their boots.

Out of all the moves made, we’ve picked the six most eye-catching signings of this transfer window:

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6. Olivier Giroud

How could we overlook the towering Frenchman, Olivier Giroud? The guy is a goal-scoring machine, the all-time top scorer for the French national team, now swapping Milan for Los Angeles FC. Giroud’s the kind of player who leaves his mark wherever he goes. At 37, you might think this is another typical MLS move, but I see something else. Giroud embodies a winner’s mindset—a player who’s won it all in Europe and now wants to make a lasting impression in the States.

5. Marco Reus

Still doubting the firepower MLS can attract? Look no further than the signing of Marco Reus. Yes, you read that right. Marco Reus! The man who, for 12 years, was the heart and soul of Borussia Dortmund will now be dazzling fans at LA Galaxy. We’re talking about a player who’s been in Europe’s brightest spotlight, and at 34, he’s still got plenty left in the tank.

4. Pep Biel

Meanwhile, Spanish playmaker Pep Biel is heading to Charlotte FC on loan from Olympiacos, bringing with him all the flair and creativity that made him a standout in Greek soccer. Even though Biel isn’t as big of a name as the others mentioned, he brings something crucial to MLS: tactical diversity and on-field innovation.

3. Aleksey Miranchuk

What once seemed like a sleeping giant in the U.S. sports scene is slowly waking up and shaking things up. Just look at Aleksey Miranchuk, now with Atlanta United. At only 28, the Russian midfielder is far from a forgotten name in Europe. He’s coming in with energy, technical skill, and vision that few players can match. Atlanta shelled out 15 million euros for him—an amount that would raise eyebrows at any European club.

2. Tim Ream

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying soccer in the U.S. is on par with the European leagues. The truth is, there’s still a long way to go before they reach the level of the Premier League or La Liga. But you can’t ignore the impact these big names are having. Take, for example, veteran defender Tim Ream. A living legend at Fulham with nine seasons and over 300 appearances under his belt, Ream’s coming home to sign with Charlotte FC. At 36, some would say his best days are behind him, but his experience and leadership are a gift for any club.

1. Diogo Gonçalves

Speaking of competition, the name Diogo Gonçalves may not carry the same media weight as a Giroud or Reus, but he’s a clear example that MLS is also keeping an eye on young talent ready to break out. Gonçalves, at 27, was lighting up the Danish league with FC Copenhagen before making the switch to Real Salt Lake. What grabs my attention here is the price tag: 3 million euros. It may not seem like much compared to the astronomical figures in European soccer, but it’s a sign that MLS teams are making smart investments with an eye on the future.

The irony here is that for years, MLS was seen as the place where fading stars came to shine for just a few more minutes. But today, that narrative’s being flipped on its head. By attracting players who’ve still got plenty of gas in the tank, MLS is building something bigger than just a spectacle for the masses. It’s crafting a league that, in the near future, could very well stand toe-to-toe with the global powerhouses of soccer.