The 2026 World Cup presents a major opportunity for MLS to attract top international players. Recently, The Athletic published a column detailing several players whose contracts expire this summer, including Casemiro, Depay, and Alaba. After the World Cup, these players are expected to join American football and begin a new chapter in their careers.

Here is the full column:

MLS clubs have long viewed the 2026 World Cup as an opportunity to recruit new talent. The league hopes to use this event to rapidly develop overall, and with North America hosting the world's top football tournament, there are genuine opportunities for teams to strengthen their squads.

This summer, several national teams used MLS club training facilities for their preparations: Argentina trained at Sporting Kansas City's facility, Brazil at New York Red Bulls' new training ground, and Côte d'Ivoire at Philadelphia Union's headquarters, among many others.

Although transfer benefits may materialize later for some players, many top players whose contracts expire could use the World Cup to launch their North American football careers.

This article identifies eligible free agents and potential candidates. These players are currently focused on preparing for the World Cup and competing fully. Their transfer negotiations will begin progressively after the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup concludes on July 19.

Two players deserve mention for their absence: Although Neymar's team has begun discussions with Cincinnati, he is not a free agent this summer as his contract with Santos runs through year-end. Similarly, Salah, despite openly saying goodbye to Liverpool, has not yet become available. Here is the list of star players whose contracts expire this summer and are likely to join MLS.

Casemiro (Brazil) | Ideal Destination: Inter Miami

The Athletic previously reported that Casemiro will join Inter Miami after the World Cup, with only details to finalize. He and Inter Miami need to negotiate compensation terms with LA Galaxy, which holds his priority signing rights and previously pursued him aggressively.

With his Manchester United contract expiring this summer, Casemiro has clearly chosen Miami as his next career move. The 34-year-old midfielder has shown impressive form this season in the Premier League, setting a personal record with 9 goals, helping Manchester United finish third in the league. He will be Brazil's starting midfielder at the World Cup.

Inter Miami currently has no available Designated Player slots unless an existing DP departs. Casemiro's MLS salary would initially be capped at $1,803,125—far below his Manchester United wages and competitive offers from Middle Eastern clubs.

Depay (Netherlands) | Ideal Destinations: Chicago Fire, Charlotte FC

This Dutch international, who holds his country's goal and assist records, will compete in the World Cup before his contract expires.

In 2024, Depay surprisingly joined Brazilian giants Corinthians, contributing 20 goals and 15 assists in 79 appearances across all competitions, though with mixed performances. The former Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Lyon, Manchester United, and PSV Eindhoven forward is best suited as a second striker in MLS.

Acquiring Depay would be expensive, but Chicago and Charlotte have substantial financial resources, flexible salary caps, and tactical systems well-suited to him.

Chicago Fire coach Berhalter faced Depay while leading the USMNT in the 2022 World Cup Round of 16. The team is seeking star talent, and if Lewandowski is unavailable, Depay could partner with the team's top scorer in attack.

Following Zaha's mid-season departure, Charlotte will have an available DP slot. If Depay joins, he could play flexibly in attack and elevate the team's offensive creativity.

Jimenez (Mexico) | Ideal Destinations: Real Salt Lake, St. Louis City

Experienced Mexican strikers have traditionally thrived in MLS, with many veterans choosing to extend their careers here rather than rely on pace.

The 35-year-old Jimenez has missed just two Premier League matches for Fulham over the past two years, playing 4,706 minutes and scoring 21 goals. His physical presence and movement allow him to consistently find the net on teams with abundant crossing opportunities and open DP slots.

Real Salt Lake fits these criteria perfectly, and under coach Damel, St. Louis City's ability to create opportunities in the final third continues to improve.

Alaba (Austria) | Ideal Destinations: Vancouver Whitecaps, St. Louis City, Columbus Crew

Alaba, repeatedly linked with MLS over the past 18 months, will leave Real Madrid this summer. If salary requirements align, he could strengthen any top-tier MLS club. Since leaving Bayern Munich, Alaba rarely plays as a midfielder and is versatile across multiple positions.

If Alaba continues as a ball-playing center back, teams emphasizing possession and three-at-the-back systems would be ideal, such as St. Louis City and Columbus Crew. A Vancouver move reuniting him with Müller would be a dream acquisition.

Weghorst (Netherlands) | Ideal Destinations: Minnesota United, FC Cincinnati, Orlando City

Like Jimenez, physically dominant target strikers often thrive in MLS at this stage of their careers with tactical support, and Weghorst's height makes him a perfect fit.

The 33-year-old currently plays for Ajax and will become a free agent this summer. Throughout his career, he has scored 20 goals and provided 6 assists across all competitions for Ajax over the past two seasons.

Weghorst excels in aerial duels and is technically versatile, making him suitable for teams emphasizing wing play and crossing. Minnesota United's simpler tactics this season still make it a viable landing spot. If recruited without using a DP slot, Cincinnati and Orlando City also have solid chances.

Goretzka (Germany) | Ideal Destinations: Chicago Fire, LAFC

Goretzka's Bayern Munich contract expires this summer, and he will depart. Though he will likely remain in European football, MLS clubs should pursue him vigorously. The 31-year-old has made over 300 appearances for Bayern since joining in 2018, winning numerous titles. This Saturday, he may face the USMNT in Chicago.

Signing Goretzka would almost certainly require a DP slot, limiting the pool of contenders. Well-financed clubs with roster flexibility, like Chicago and LAFC, are primary candidates. If Atlanta United opens a DP slot, Tata Martino's Atlanta would also have a chance.

Bernardo Silva (Portugal) | Ideal Destination: New York City FC

Bernardo Silva is the least likely candidate on this list to move to MLS this summer, but if he does, he would immediately become one of the league's top players.

The 31-year-old remains a target for top European clubs, with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid actively pursuing him. According to The Athletic's April reporting, Bernardo Silva has no current plans to play in the US; if he changes his mind later, New York City FC—part of the Manchester City group—would be his preferred choice. This Premier League star will likely join MLS at a later date.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.