Five players who could join the MLS this summer

Cameron Smith

16 Apr 2025 13:00 BST
4 min read

The MLS continues to attract ageing stars from Europe and that transfer trend is likely to continue during the 2025 summer window.

The likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Marco Reus are already plying their trade in America and they could be joined by a number of high-profile superstars later this year.

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Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players who could join the MLS this summer.

Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)

Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will leave Manchester City when his contract with the club expires at the end of June.

The Belgium legend has enjoyed a sublime career at the Etihad Stadium and he will depart as one of the Premier League’s best ever players following an incredible 10-year stint at Man City.

A move to the MLS is deemed to be De Bruyne’s most likely next step and he is widely expected to move to the United States of America this summer.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Antoine Griezmann has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS this summer, although rumours have suggested that he may opt to remain with Atletico Madrid for one more season before landing in America in 2026.

However, a transfer this year remains on the cards and LAFC are reportedly eager to finalise an agreement for the France legend.

Griezmann has one year remaining on his current Atletico Madrid contract and he currently isn’t expected to sign an extension, despite his importance under Diego Simeone.

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)

Thomas Muller will officially leave Bayern Munich after 25 years with the club when his current deal expires in July.

The Germany legend is now 35 years old, but he has no intention of retiring as things stand and he is already in talks to move to the MLS, with LAFC among the clubs interested in signing him.

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce have also been linked with Muller in recent weeks, although a move to the USA seems slightly more likely right now.

Paul Pogba (Unattached)

Paul Pogba returned to Juventus amid much fanfare in 2022, but his career has nosedived since his decision to leave Manchester United and rejoin the Serie A giants.

He only played 10 games during his first season back at the club, due to injury, and he was then suspended from all footballing activity in September 2023 after testing positive for banned substance testosterone.

Pogba’s initial four-year ban was reduced to 18 months and he is now eligible to play competitively again. However, his Juventus contract was terminated in November and he is expected to join a club in the MLS, most likely Inter Miami, this summer.

Casemiro (Man Utd)

Casemiro still has one year remaining on his current deal at Man Utd and some reports have speculated that he will see out his contract before leaving Old Trafford in 2026.

However, the Red Devils are eager to sign at least one new central midfielder this summer and they could be open to selling Casemiro in order to purchase a younger replacement.

Several Saudi Pro League clubs have expressed their interest in the Brazilian, although a move to the MLS could also take place this summer as Man Utd aim to rejuvenate the squad at Ruben Amorim’s disposal.