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Five Established Stars Reportedly Linked to MLS Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Five high-profile players linked to MLS ahead of the 2026 World Cup and potential transfers. Outlook

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Major MLS clubs continue to target established international names as interest in the league grows ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Here are five players who, according to recent reports and public comments, could plausibly move to MLS.

Mohamed Salah remains a high-profile option. The Egyptian recorded 29 goals and 18 assists en route to the 2024–25 Premier League title, but this season has been more difficult with four goals and three assists in 14 Premier League matches. Now 33 years old and under contract through to the summer of 2027, Salah has been linked as the kind of signing MLS sides might pursue after LAFC paid a record $26.2 million for Son Heung-min in 2025.

Robert Lewandowski is another obvious candidate for MLS in the later stages of his career. After a prolific 2024–25 campaign that produced 42 goals and three assists across all competitions, he has nine goals and two assists in 942 minutes this season. Reports have linked him to Chicago Fire and Inter Miami and noted parallels with other recent European arrivals who chose MLS markets.

Antoine Griezmann has long been linked to the league. He has 204 goals in La Liga and a contract running until the summer of 2027. It is understood that LAFC and Inter Miami have pursued him, while Charlotte FC has also been reported to have sought his signature. “I still have a lot of time left to play, lots of energy, lots of lucidity to play and become important at the club,” Griezmann said in November 2025, having announced his international retirement back in September 2024. “Everyone knows that my dream, my objective, is the MLS, but I am still under contract [with Atletico Madrid], and I want to continue.”

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James Rodríguez remains a free-agent attraction after leaving Club Léon. The 34-year-old posted a recent social media video striking free kicks and has been linked with Orlando City, Toronto FC and Columbus Crew. Reports suggested MLS interest before he signed in Liga MX in 2025, and a short-term deal through 2026 has been mooted.

Weston McKennie could be available after the World Cup. Described in coverage as one of the best midfielders in U.S. men’s national team history for what he has achieved in over 200 appearances with Serie A titans, Juventus, the 27-year-old reportedly has no contract beyond June and the 2026 World Cup. “I hope to stay at Juventus. But I leave it all in my agent’s hands,” he said in November. “Turin is a huge part of my life, so I want to do everything I can for the people here.”

Analytics & Stats

Club Valuations 2026: Ranking the World’s Top 30 Soccer Teams

Forbes’ 2026 valuations show European clubs lead, MLS gains ground with four franchises rising 2026

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Forbes’ 2026 valuations list the 30 most valuable soccer clubs, with European heavyweights dominating and MLS making significant inroads. Eleven Premier League sides and seven Major League Soccer teams feature among the top 30.

At the summit Real Madrid lead the market at $9.5 billion, followed by Barcelona at $7.5 billion and Manchester United at $7.2 billion. Liverpool sit at $6.2 billion, Paris Saint-Germain at $5.8 billion and Bayern Munich at $5.7 billion. Manchester City and Arsenal are close together at $5.5 billion and $5.4 billion respectively, with City only $100 million ahead of Arsenal. Chelsea are valued at $4.2 billion and Tottenham Hotspur at $3 billion.

Further down the table Atlético Madrid are 11th at $2.95 billion, Juventus 12th at $2.4 billion, Borussia Dortmund 13th at $2.2 billion, AC Milan 14th at $1.85 billion and Inter 15th at $1.8 billion. The report notes Inter still trail AC Milan despite higher revenue, and Juventus remain ahead at $2.4 billion despite on-pitch struggles.

Aston Villa have recorded a striking 56% growth to $1.4 billion, boosted by Champions League qualification and the work of Unai Emery, making them England’s most valuable club outside the traditional Big Six. Newcastle United are 19th.

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MLS representation includes Inter Miami ($1.35 billion), LAFC ($1.32 billion), LA Galaxy ($1.08 billion), Atlanta United ($1 billion) and New York City FC ($1.02 billion). Austin FC and Seattle Sounders enter the list but remain below the $1 billion mark at $855 million and $860 million respectively. The draft highlights that LA clubs and Inter Miami have all seen value increases.

Across Europe, Benfica ($960 million) and Roma ($940 million) occupy mid-table positions, while Stuttgart continue their resurgence at $880 million, now Germany’s third-most valuable club. Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Everton rank 27th to 25th and sit just under the $1 billion threshold.

The 2026 rankings underline the financial gulf inside the top tier, while also showing MLS clubs closing the gap in value terms.

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Man Utd Transfer News

Segovia’s Slip Confirms Casemiro Heading to Inter Miami

Segovia said, ‘I know Casemiro is coming.’ The comment fuels expectations of a move to Miami in MLS.

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Inter Miami forward Telasco Segovia appeared to confirm reports linking Casemiro to the club when he told assembled reporters: “I know Casemiro is coming.” The remark, captured by Olé, came while Segovia discussed his ambitions after training alongside some of the best to ever feature on the continent.

The 34-year-old Casemiro has been the subject of persistent speculation as he approaches free agency. His form at United prompted fans and several players to appeal for “one more year” of his services, but the midfielder has moved toward those reports of an MLS switch. Recent coverage has described Miami as on the cusp of securing his agreement after outmaneuvering MLS rivals LA Galaxy.

Segovia, 23, sought to temper his own comments by adding: “If he does come, he’s more than welcome; he’ll bring a lot to the team, and I think he’s going to give us so much.” The forward’s words offer an early, unplanned confirmation that allows supporters to better picture Casemiro in a pink shirt.

Lionel Messi’s teammate would join a squad that pauses competitive action for the World Cup. After Sunday’s clash with Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium, the Herons will not be back in action until July 22, when Chicago Fire visit. Should Casemiro’s Brazil reach the World Cup final on July 19, it is unlikely he will be available for Miami’s match against the Fire.

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Casemiro has been granted a reprieve for United’s final Premier League game to prepare for the upcoming tournament, which is expected to be his last for Brazil. Having completed a full European club season that began in August, the ageing midfielder will require time to recover ahead of the international competition.

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Man Utd

Casemiro Close to Inter Miami Move as MLS Discovery Rights Row Persists

Casemiro is set to leave Man Utd for Inter Miami despite MLS Discovery Rights concerns. amid debate.

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Casemiro is reportedly closing in on a transfer to Inter Miami, but the negotiations are said to “run afoul” of Major League Soccer procedures governing Discovery Rights.

Offers from the Saudi Pro League have been made, yet the Brazil international appears inclined towards MLS. LA Galaxy secured the Discovery Rights for the five-time Champions League winner, a mechanism that gives a club first refusal on a player and is intended to prevent direct competition among MLS clubs for the same target.

According to The Athletic, Inter Miami are in advanced discussions despite that convention. While this approach is not considered in the spirit of the rule, clubs have previously resolved similar situations through financial compensation. In Casemiro’s case, no such settlement has been announced.

The report adds that the player “wants” to play for Miami and “a deal is expected to be reached.” LA Galaxy did not sit on their Discovery Rights; the West Coast club held “numerous conversations” with Casemiro and his representatives and put “multiple” offers on the table, but those offers were turned down.

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No agreement between Miami and the Galaxy has been confirmed, but sources suggest both sides hope a resolution can be found. Inter Miami’s attraction is clear: the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi.

Casemiro is a Brazil international and a former Real Madrid star who has built a reputation across Europe, including five Champions League titles. He has spent much of his career competing directly against Messi. As Casemiro has admitted himself, he would welcome the chance to play alongside Messi for once.

The story remains fluid. Negotiations involve MLS rules, competing international offers and discussions between clubs and the player’s camp. For now, the reported preference for Miami sits alongside unresolved Discovery Rights questions and no formal transfer has been completed.

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