MLS Transfers: Will Kevin De Bruyne join Lionel Messi with Inter Miami, and can LAFC afford to wait for Antoine Griezmann?

The MLS Transfer Notebook tracks player movement, with the latest developments for teams in the U.S. and Canada

The clock is ticking. The Primary Transfer Window for MLS closes on April 23, with the Secondary Window running from July 24 through Aug. 21 - meaning any team looking to get a deal over the line before the summer has some work to do.

For some, preparing for that summer window is all that matters. It's the time in which MLS is aligned with Europe, a chance to bring in players or sell rising stars. MLS teams are beginning to spend more than they ever have while keeping an eye on the international market.

Right now, there's a focus on four European greats and a former MLS standout.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne has no shortage of suitors around the world, but MLS seems a likely option. The same goes for Thomas Muller, who will also be out of contract this summer after spending his entire career at Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, his German compatriot Timo Werner could be the latest blockbuster signing in New York, with the Red Bulls looking to bring in the 28-year-old this summer from RB Leipzig.

And the there's the looming saga surrounding Antoine Griezmann and LAFC - it's still a blurry image, at best. Will he come this summer? Can LAFC wait for him if he decides to stay in Spain until 2026? And what will happen with former MLS standout in Giorgos Giakoumakis, who has fallen out of favor at Cruz Azul?

GOAL tracks player movement in the MLS Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for teams in the U.S. and Canada.

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Timo Werner to RBNY?
The New York Red Bulls want the former Chelsea star, who now plays for Red Bull Leipzig in Germany, but has been on loan at Tottenham Hotspur since January 2024. FootMercato reported that the 2024 MLS Cup runners-up want to bolster their roster with the addition of the striker, who can also play on the wing.
Internationally, Werner has made 57 appearances, scoring 24 goals and while with the Blues, and lifted the UEFA Champions League title in 2021.
For RBNY, it would be a no-brainer move to bring in the 28-year-old alongside former Bayern Munich forward Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting, as the pair could light up the league. Werner's blistering pace would be an attraction in the league, while he could be the perfect partner for Choupo Moting.
Werner's contract with RB Leipzig ends in June 2026, meaning RBNY would need to pay a transfer fee for him this summer, or acquire him on loan.

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Thomas Muller to FC Cincinnati?
Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller is set to leave the Bundesliga club at the end of the season, with a historic chapter in Germany coming to an end. His next destination remains uncertain, though a move to MLS appears to be one he is considering.
The Athletic reported that Bayern Munich and LAFC - who share a youth development program partnership - have discussed the 25-year-old, though nothing more than a conversation. BILD, meanwhile, reported that both San Diego FC and FC Cincinnati have shown interest in the forward, who will turn 36 in September.
Mail Sport reported that Cincy hold his MLS Discovery Rights and any potential move in the league outside of FCC would require his rights to either be purchased from the Eastern Conference side. New York Red Bulls forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting would welcome him to MLS with open arms, as the duo played together at Bayern in previous years.
“He’s welcome here,” Choupo-Moting told Kicker. "Thomas, you already speak English, so… Jokes aside, I have no idea [what Thomas will do]. Thomas is a Bayern legend, so I’d be happy for him if he continues there. But if he wants to make this step, we’ll see. Thomas, I’m watching you.”
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Giorgos Giakoumakis and MLS, round two
Named MLS newcomer of the year in 2023, Atlanta United star Giorgos Giakoumakis departed the league in 2024 for Liga MX side Cruz Azul in a blockbuster $10.5M transfer. However, he's now been linked with a return to MLS - and surely, he will have plenty of suitors if that is the case.
The Greek striker has fallen out of favor with the Mexican giants, deemed third-string behind former LAFC star Mateusz Bogusz and forward Angel Sepulveda. As a result, a return to MLS could now be in the cards, according to GIVEMESPORT.
He's scored just nine goals since his transfer to Mexico, but has added another eight assists across 32 appearances for Cruz Azul. However, he's had limited playing time since the start of the 2025 season. During his time with Atlanta, the now 30-year-old scored 22 goals in 38 regular season appearances. In MLS playoff action, he recorded four goal-contributions in three games.

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Will LAFC wait for Antoine Griezmann?
Fascinated with America, Antoine Griezmann has long stated he wants to play in MLS. He's also admitted that Atletico Madrid will be his final European club - he won't represent another team n the continent.
A 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, 2022 runner-up and a two-time third-place finisher for the Ballon d'Or, the Frenchman is one of the most exciting potential transfers for MLS since Lionel Messi arrived.
Western Conference side LAFC have long been the team in discussion to sign him, but things turned murky in recent weeks. For the past year, a summer 2025 transfer was rumored, but recent talks between Griezmann's camp and Atletico Madrid could mean they keep him through the end of his contract in June 2026.
LAFC, meanwhile, signed Cengiz Under on loan from Fenerbahce for six months as a Designated Player to essentially fill the spot until Griezmann is available. However, if the Frenchman opts not to make the move this summer, can LAFC afford to wait?
If the Black and Gold cannot secure his services this summer, time might be up.
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Where will Kevin De Bruyne land?
It's not a surprise to anyone that Kevin De Bruyne is considering a move to MLS this summer. The Belgium and Man City superstar has announced he is leaving the Premier League side this summer after a historic career at the Etihad. The question is what's next?
The Athletic reported that Inter Miami hold his MLS rights, but a move to the South Beach club currently is not feasible due to roster construction. Will Miami try to adjust finances to land him? Could another team such as New York City FC - sister club of Man City - trade for his rights? Or, could a dark horse contender such as Chicago Fire - who made an ambitious swoop attempt for Neymar in January - enter the fray?
He has two months left on his contract in England, and there is an option to file a one-month extension to allow him to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. But sooner or later, the Belgian will have to make a decision.
And what approach will David Beckham and Miami take? Will the Herons rearrange their roster, make a maneuver of some sort to acquire him on a cheaper contract initially, or trade his rights?
The attacking midfielder would be a must-watch player in MLS, but where?

Timo Werner to RBNY?

Thomas Muller to FC Cincinnati?

Giorgos Giakoumakis and MLS, round two

Will LAFC wait for Antoine Griezmann?

Where will Kevin De Bruyne land?