The lengthy list of European and South American talent embarking to MLS continued this offseason with plenty top players moving across the Atlantic Ocean this winter.
Inter Miami, FC Dallas, and Orlando City were among several clubs to bolster their rosters in major ways ahead of the 2024 campaign. Other clubs that made roster pick-ups from abroad included Atlanta United, LA Galaxy, LAFC.
Here is a closer look at some of the top newcomers to watch in the 2024 MLS season:
Luis Suarez, Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s squad already featured several international standouts including Leo Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Enter Luis Suarez!
Suarez rounds out the Herons’ star-studded quartet after making the move from Brazilian Serie A side Gremio. The 37-year-old may be on his final days of playing, but he still has plenty to offer a hungry Inter Miami squad.
Suarez delivered 24 goals in 45 appearances for Gremio, proving he still can find the back of the net regularly.
Luis Muriel, Orlando City
Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire certainly make Orlando City’s attack one of the best in MLS, but the arrival of Luis Muriel this winter could be what pushes the Lions over the top.
Muriel, 32, joined the Lions as a Designated Player signing from Atalanta. The Colombian forward enjoyed a positive five years in Serie A with Atalanta, contributing 54 goals in 144 appearances for the club.
Now Muriel’s focus will be on forming a stellar trio with Torres and McGuire in Oscar Pareja’s squad.
Hugo Lloris, LAFC
LAFC has had its share of international stars over the past few seasons and Hugo Lloris now continues that trend for the reigning Western Conference champions.
Lloris, 37, makes the move to the United States after totaling close to 450 appearances for Tottenham in the English Premier League. A World Cup winner, Lloris will certainly help LAFC across every competition in 2024.
With over 700 appearances under his belt, Lloris brings ample experience to Steve Cherundolo’s defense.
Emil Forsberg, New York Red Bulls
Emil Forsberg’s move to the New York Red Bulls could be what helps the Eastern Conference club get back in the MLS limelight.
The 32-year-old Swedish international totaled 325 combined appearances for RB Leipzig, helping them rise from the German second-tier into a consistent contender in the top flight. Forsberg’s playmaking and goalscoring abilities will certainly be welcomed by the Red Bulls, who will now pair him with Lewis Morgan and Dante Vanzeir in the final third.
Pedro De La Vega, Seattle Sounders
The Seattle Sounders have one of the top veteran cores in MLS, but adding 23-year-old Pedro De La Vega is a key move for the present and future.
De La Vega signed with Seattle as a Young Designated Player from Argentinian side Lanus this winter. He scored 13 goals in 103 appearances for his native club, receiving ample experience as a young player.
After reportedly scouting De La Vega for close to six years, the Sounders will now hope he can hit the ground running in the Pacific Northwest.
Pavel Bucha, FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati already has one of MLS’ best midfielders in Luciano Acosta and now have a new face to pair with him in 2024.
25-year-old Pavel Bucha joined Pat Noonan’s squad from Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic first division. Bucha totaled 26 goals in 145 appearances for Viktoria Plzen, featuring in over 20 European matches across multiple competitions.
A talented midfielder, Bucha certainly has “Newcomer of the Year” traits.
Gabriel Pec, LA Galaxy
Another one of the league’s top Young Designated Player signings in 2024 was Gabriel Pec.
Pec, 23, made the move to the LA Galaxy after a successful run with Vasco de Gama in his native Brazil. He scored 25 goals in 168 appearances for the Brazilian club, winning the Taca Rio competition in 2021.
Pressure will certainly be on the Galaxy for a bounce-back 2024 and Pec has the abilities to deliver for them.
Hugo Cuypers, Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire haven’t received consistent goalscoring from their star players over recent time. Hugo Cuypers might have the best chance to change that for them.
Cuypers enjoyed a stellar two seasons with Belgian First Division side Gent, scoring 45 goals in 69 appearances. He was the league’s top scorer during the 2022-23 campaign while also earning Gent’s Player of the Year award.
Cuypers has bounced around in Europe over the past few seasons so Fire fans will hope he sticks around a long time.
Josh Cohen, Atlanta United
After five years in Israel, veteran shot-stopper Josh Cohen is back in the United States.
The 31-year-old Cohen enjoyed four successful seasons with Maccabi Haifa, lifting three league titles and winning the Israeli Premier League’s Player of the Season award in 2020-21.
After a frustrating period of uncertainty, Cohen joined Atlanta United one a two-year contract. The Five Stripes will rely on Cohen to compete with Brad Guzan for the No. 1 job.
Petar Musa, FC Dallas
FC Dallas wasn’t been known to spend big in recent history until the offseason acquisition of striker Petar Musa.
The Croatian forward joined the Western Conference club from Benfica in a deal which could reportedly total $13 million in fees. Musa, 25, scored 17 goals in 66 appearances for the Portuguese giants and in total has made over 250 appearances in Europe.
With Jesus Ferreira, Paul Arriola, Paxton Pomykal, and others already in the mix, Musa should fit in seamlessly with the bunch.
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