MLS renews for 2026 with James, Werner and Berterame as major attractions

Washington (EFE).— The Major League Soccer begins its 2026 season this weekend with a deep restructuring of its squads and the arrival of international figures that raise the competitive profile of the championship.

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Among the most talked-about moves is the signing of Colombian James Rodríguez, who joins Minnesota United FC with the mission of bringing creativity and leadership to a team that last season recorded an average possession of just 39%. It also highlights the arrival of German striker Timo Werner to the San Jose Earthquakes. At 29 years old and with a notable goalscoring record at RB Leipzig —where he scored 78 goals— and 24 goals with the German national team, Werner seeks to relaunch his career after his time at Chelsea FC. For its part, the reigning champion, Inter Miami CF, continues to strengthen its squad after winning the MLS Cup in December. The Florida team added Argentine forward Germán Berterame, from CF Monterrey, where he scored 50 goals in 114 games. Berterame is expected to boost the offensive front alongside Lionel Messi. The club also secured the incorporations of Rodrigo De Paul, Tadeo Allende and the Spanish full-back Sergio Reguilón, consolidating a squad with a strong Argentine presence and European experience.

More market movements

The transfer market exceeded 300 operations between signings and departures in the 30 clubs of the league. Among them, the return of the Uruguayan Facundo Torres stands out, now with Austin FC, in an operation valued at 9.5 million dollars after his time at Palmeiras. Likewise, Mexican Héctor Herrera returned to Houston Dynamo FC, while young Obed Vargas left Seattle Sounders FC to join Atlético de Madrid. Among the most relevant departures are the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who ended their careers after lifting the title with Inter Miami. They also changed destination the Venezuelan Josef Martínez, now at Club Tijuana, and the Belgian Christian Benteke, who left D.C. United for Al-Wahda FC. With a dynamic market and the arrival of established figures, MLS is betting on maintaining its international growth and reinforcing its appeal in a key year for soccer in the United States.