Same faces, new places: Lucho Acosta to FC Dallas, Evander to FC Cincinnati and Jesus Ferreira to the Seattle Sounders among biggest moves in dynamic MLS offseason

Rumors of Acosta's departure from FCC began after the club exited the 2024 MLS postseason in November. The Argentine said publicly that it was "maybe the end" of his tenure in the Queen City. And months on, after rumors swirled of a return to his native Argentina, he remained in MLS, moving to FC Dallas for a reported $5M fee.

The 2023 MLS MVP, Acosta is one of MLS' most talented players, and arguably the best attacking midfielder in the league over the past two seasons. He is a four-time MLS Best XI selection and three-time MLS All-Star. Across his time in MLS with both FCC and D.C. United - where he played from 2016-2018 - he scored 72 goals and recorded 97 assists in 251 regular season matches.

At FCD, he will be a part of their new-look attack under head coach Eric Quill, where he will look to form a formidable partnership with star striker Petar Musa. For FCC, it was the perfect resolution for a player who wanted to leave, while Dallas gained a bonafide star in the 30-year-old.

The Revs had one of MLS' largest roster turnovers from the end of 2024 into the 2025 season, but Campana - so far - has been their biggest get as Caleb Porter looks to put a woeful 2024 season behind them. The Ecuadorian is set to be the new centerpiece of their attack, and is finally being handed the reigns after being stuck as a second-string attacker alongside Lionel Messi and Co. at South Beach.

The 24-year-old Ecuador international is the Herons' second all-time leading scorer with 32 goals across all competitions, and is a known commodity across the league. It's a dream signing for Porter, and arguably one of the best this offseason, as the Revs create a new-look attack featuring Campana and star midfielder Carles Gil, as well as club-record signing Luca Langoni.

For Miami, it could be a move that comes back to haunt them, considering Suarez turned 38 in January, and looks to be coming to the closing stages of his career. However, their loss is the Rev's gain, as New England now has a frightening striker who should bring them back into competitive contention in the East.

Acosta's exit from FCC made way for Evander to move from Portland to Cincinnati - and they made an absolute splash for him. They smashed the intra-league record, acquiring the Brazilian midfielder for a reported $12M, with the 26-year-old being the final puzzle piece to Pat Noonan's new attack in the Eastern Conference.

In 2024, Evander was a member of the MLS Best XI where he scored 15 goals and recorded 19 assists for Phil Neville's side in the Pacific Northwest, numbers trailing only eventual MVP winner Lionel Messi. However, after the end of the season, he had a fall-out with Neville and the Timbers front-office, which resulted in months of transfer rumors.

Eventually a resolution came, and FCC got their man, and Portland made an immense profit. In Cincy, the Brazilian should flourish, paired with brand-new DP striker Kevin Denkey and fellow 2024 MLS All-Star Luca Orellano in their attack.

Portland, meanwhile, has already replaced him with Portuguese midfielder David Da Costa, who they brought in from Ligue 1 side RC Lens. Factor in he has already opened his account for the club in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, there are immense expectations, and loads of excitement, for the Brazilian.

Jesus Ferreira, a U.S. international, had his worst season since 2020 last year, and a change of scenery felt inevitable. With the Sounders, he's being offered a fresh start, and theoretically, should flourish in Brian Schmetzer's system. He can play as a center-forward or in an attacking midfielder role, and with his versatility and nose for goal, it should bring him back to his best while elevating the Western Conference side.

He checked every box that Seattle needed this offseason as the club looked to replace DP striker Raul Ruidiaz. The 24-year-old departed FCD as their second all-time leading scorer with 55 goals across all competitions, while internationally, he has scored 15 times in 23 appearances for the USMNT.

For FCD, it felt like the right time to move on from Ferreira, and he needed to seek a new opportunity. It was a perfect deal for both sides as Seattle needed to bolster their attack. The forward made his debut for the club in the CONCACAF Champions Cup midweek, and will look to follow it up with his first MLS appearance with them on Opening Day.

Jack McGlynn made his senior USMNT debut this past January under Mauricio Pochettino and was the star of the camp. Immediately after the conclusion of the U.S.' performances, rumors began swirling of the 21-year-old being on the move, with suitors both domestic and abroad. Eventually, the Dynamo swooped in, paying the Union up to a reported $3.4M and a sell-on percentage for the midfielder.

McGlynn truly broke out in 2024, but has been known across the league as one of the brightest midfield prospects out of the Union academy since he signed a Homegrown deal as a teen. From 2021-2024, he scored seven goals and recorded 13 assists in 99 regular season matches, and in summer 2024, represented the U.S. at the Paris Olympics.

For the Union, they retained a crucial sell-on fee with his transfer, and banked a large sum of cash to rebuild their squad - all in all, a positive move for the club as they continue to be one of the league's top-producing academies.

For Houston, it was a crucial get, as they lost both Hector Herrera and Adalberto Carrasquilla this offseason. Ben Olsen got a new high-pressing midfielder, and someone with an exemplary workrate, which should result in a successful transfer for both McGlynn and the club.