Look Out for These 2026 MLS Newcomers

by Bradley Gibbs | by Tyler Doty

image Look Out for These 2026 MLS Newcomers
As one door closes, another opens. Following the end of the NFL season, the MLS campaign begins. We look at some new arrivals hoping to impress in 2026.

2026 MLS newcomers 

Major League Soccer is one of the most unique soccer leagues on the planet, and that is what makes it so great. As well as often producing hugely entertaining and action-packed games, MLS is known for lots of yearly personnel switch ups. This time around, we’ve seen plenty of changes during the off-season, and as is always the case, in the weeks and months leading up to the new season, clubs have been making as many moves as possible. 

Ahead of the 2026 campaign, for which we will continue to bring you the best MLS picks, keep an eye out for these new signings: 

Tiago 

  • Age: 20
  • Leaving: Bahia (Brazil)
  • Joining: Orlando City

Orlando pulled a real rabbit out of the hat with Marco Pasalic last season. They couldn’t do it again, could they? Well, young winger Tiago will be hoping to make a similar impression to Pasalic in his first season in Major League Soccer. The Brazilian showed plenty of promise for Bahia in Brazil's top flight during 2025, averaging an impressive 0.50 goals and assists per 90 minutes. Let’s see if he can be as effective for the Lions. 

Bryan Ramirez 

  • Age: 25
  • Leaving: LDU Quito (Ecuador)
  • Joining: Philadelphia Union

During the off-season, those in charge of making the decisions for the Union have tried to freshen things up offensively, bringing in Bryan Ramirez from Ecuadorian outfit LDU Quito. The speedy winger showed his quality in the 2025 renewal of the Copa Libertadores, scoring in assisting five goals in nine appearances in the prestigious competition. 

Louis Munteanu

  • Age: 23
  • Leaving: CFR Cluj (Romania)
  • Joining: D.C. United

Following a path that a few of his compatriots have taken in recent years, Louis Munteanu heads to Major League Soccer from the Romanian top division, where the 23-year-old has been one of the hottest players for the last couple of seasons. During the previous campaign, the forward scored an impressive 23 goals, averaging 0.76 goals per 90 minutes, while he leaves to hit the ground running in Major League Soccer having scored and assisted seven goals in 14 recent appearances. 

Timo Werner

timo werner

  • Age: 29
  • Leaving: RB Leipzig (Germany)
  • Joining: San Jose Earthquakes

After a few years in the soccer wilderness, Timo Werner goes in search of redemption in San Jose. Having failed to rediscover his glory days at RB Leipzig after a disappointing EPL spell with Tottenham, the former Germany international teams up with the Earthquakes, for whom he’ll be hoping to get back to scoring regular goals, much as he did when banging in no less than 28 in just 34 Bundesliga games during the 2019/2020 season. 

Guilherme

  • Age: 30
  • Leaving: Santos (Brazil)
  • Joining: Houston Dynamo

Experienced Brazilian creator Guilherme will be pulling the strings for Houston Dynamo this season having made the off-season switch from Santos in Brazil. A player capable of unlocking oppositions defenses with deft passing, Guilherme also has an eye for goal, making him an all-round offensive threat. Last season in the Brazilian Serie A, he scored four goals and delivered seven assists, averaging 0.44 goal/assists per 90 minutes. 

Mateusz Bogusz

  • Age: 24
  • Leaving: Cruz Azul (Mexico)
  • Joining: Houston Dynamo

Also joining the Dynamo is a deadly forward who has previous Major League Soccer experience. Mateusz Bogusz put an underwhelming spell at Leeds United well and truly behind him when scoring 15 goals for LAFC during the 2024 campaign. Now after a spell in Mexico, the 24-year-old is back on US shores. He knows how to put the ball in the net at this level, and that’s exactly what has promoted the Dynamo to secure his services. 

Morgan Guilavogui 

  • Age: 27
  • Leaving: Lens (France)
  • Joining: Real Salt Lake City

Of all the new signings featured in this article, Morgan Guilavogui may be the one I’m most excited for. An explosive and direct winger/forward, Guilavogui has shown the sort of attributes that could make him an instant hit in Major League Soccer. Having scored goals for the likes of St. Pauli (Bundesliga) and Lens (Ligue 1), the 27-year-old should have what it takes to be a deadly offensive player at RSL.

James Rodriguez 

  • Age: 34
  • Leaving: Leon (Mexico)
  • Joining: Minnesota United

We couldn’t touch on the newcomers without mentioning James Rodriguez, who is without a doubt the biggest-named off-season signing. Joining Minnesota United, the 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner has previously lit up some of the best leagues in the world, and now he’ll be working his magic on the field at Allianz Field. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be excited to see what the Colombian can produce in Major League Soccer.