Major League Soccer news

FC Cincinnati are finalizing a loan agreement to sign Polish youth international goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek from Liverpool, according to The Athletic. The deal includes an option to buy, giving Cincinnati flexibility depending on the goalkeeper’s adaptation and performance in Major League Soccer. Mrozek spent the second half of last season on loan at National League side Forest Green Rovers.

Despite reported interest from Spain, Real Salt Lake plan to keep hold of Diego Luna through the summer, sources tell GOAL. The club views Luna as a key part of both its present and future, even with attention building abroad ahead of the World Cup. Sources add that RSL has yet to receive any formal offers for the 22-year-old midfielder, who made his USMNT breakthrough in 2025.

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has dismissed comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi, labelling such talk as "crazy" and urging for the young forward to be allowed to forge his own path. Speaking ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen, Olmo stressed the immense pressure that comes with being likened to arguably the greatest player in history.

Fermin Lopez would love to see Lionel Messi welcomed back to Barcelona, even if that means dropping down to the bench. The 22-year-old has become one of the Blaugrana’s most consistent performers this season, but he would happily give up a playmaking post at Camp Nou if an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could be returned to Catalunya for an emotional farewell tour.

Sir David Beckham and his wife Victoria have made a first public appearance since being on the receiving end of a shock outburst from their eldest son, Brooklyn. The Beckhams - with their other children Romeo, Cruz and Harper in tow - have attended Paris Fashion Week, with former Spice Girls star Victoria picking up a prestigious award at that event.

U.S. men’s national team fullback Alex Freeman is reportedly set to sign with Villarreal, with the Spanish side prepared to pay up to $7 million to Orlando City. The move would cap a breakout 2025 in which Freeman’s form saw him rise from MLS prospect to USMNT regular and emerging World Cup hopeful, while also drawing sustained European interest.

Major League Soccer is formalizing its approach to prediction markets through a new multi-year partnership with Polymarket, a deal that combines fan engagement ambitions with tighter league oversight. Soccer United Marketing, the league’s commercial arm, announced the agreement Monday, naming Polymarket an official partner of MLS and Leagues Cup in the United States.

USMNT legend Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Christian Pulisic returning to the United States would be a terrible idea for MLS at this stage of the talented forward’s career. ‘Captain America’ has stated that he would like to grace domestic competition in his homeland at some point, but is currently enhancing his superstar status with Serie A giants AC Milan.

Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be “the essence of football” as he is capable of doing “crazy things”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

There is always a scramble to secure Lionel Messi’s shirt whenever he takes to the field for Inter Miami or Argentina, with the South American GOAT facing plenty of requests. Alan Cantero was the lucky recipient of an iconic No.10 jersey following Messi’s first outing of 2026. The Alianza Lima striker broke down in tears after landing a prized momento at the end of a friendly fixture.

Inter Miami CF have signed goalkeepers Rocco Ríos Novo and Luis Barraza on permanent deals, terminating the contract of veteran Óscar Ustari in the process. Ríos Novo spent last season with the club and started in the MLS Cup final. Separately, defender Tomás Avilés will join CF Montréal on loan for more playing time.

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool

Cristiano Ronaldo is again being backed to break into Hollywood once the day comes to hang up record-shattering boots as a footballing GOAT. At 40 years of age, the Portuguese superstar has already dipped his toe into the movie industry. He could fully take the plunge at some stage, with fellow ex-Manchester United star Giuseppe Rossi billing CR7 as a perfect Joker for the Batman franchise.

The New York Red Bulls are nearing an agreement to sign U.S. international goalkeeper Ethan Horvath from Cardiff City, as the club continues a major roster overhaul ahead of the new MLS season. The move would address a key vacancy in goal following Carlos Coronel’s departure and add experience to a squad entering a new era under head coach Michael Bradley.

Atlanta United are reportedly finalizing a deal to sign U.S. youth international midfielder Adrián Gill from FC Barcelona, with Mundo Deportivo reporting the news first. Gill, 20, has developed through Barcelona’s famed academy after spending more than six and a half years in the club’s youth system. The American midfielder is expected to join Atlanta United on a permanent transfer.

Major League Soccer has announced updated transfer window dates for the 2026 season, highlighting a significant shift aimed at improving roster-building flexibility across the league. The Primary Transfer Window will open on Jan. 26 and run through March 26, while the Secondary Transfer Window will begin on July 13 and close on Sept. 2.

Baribo enjoyed two successful years in Philadelphia, but insists he is ready to be the focal point of a club - something D.C. guaranteed the prolific striker