MLS transfer roundup: Luis Suarez reunites with Lionel Messi, Columbus Crew add Derrick Jones to midfield ranks
- Atlanta add another defender to their backline
- Miami finally completes Suarez deal
- Teams continue to make moves with 2024 season ahead
As the New Year approaches, teams around Major League Soccer continue to make changes to their squads ahead of the 2024 season.
With the 2024 MLS SuperDraft out of the way, the offseason is really starting up heat up. Inter Miami has added another former Barcelona figure, while Atlanta looks to sign another defender just days after trading Garrison Tubbs.
Here's all the latest you may have missed in the MLS transfer world.
1. Inter Miami sign Luis Suarez from Gremio
The rumors have finally been put to rest, and Luis Suarez is officially an Inter Miami player.
He joins from Brazilian giants Gremio on a one-year deal through the 2024 campaign, reuniting with Lionel Messi to take on MLS.
"We are happy to welcome world class striker Luis Suarez to our club. Luis is a fierce competitor whose winning drive embodies what we want out of our players," Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said in a release.
"We promised our fans we would pursue the world’s best players to build a squad that can compete at the highest echelons in the Americas. Coming off an award-winning season in Brazil, Luis will be a key addition to our roster. We will continue to be ambitious and always strive to pursue the Freedom to Dream."
2. Atlanta United select center-back Derrick Williams in Re-Entry Draft
The Five Stripes have been pretty busy in the offseason, as they signed homegrown center-back Garrison Tubbs just to end up trading him to DC United during the Super Draft.
However, Atlanta still got their hands on a defender as Miles Robinson remains a free agent. Atlanta has until the end of next week to sign Williams and should they not come to an agreement, Atlanta will then still hold the 30-year-old's Right of First Refusal - basically exclusive negotiating rights.
If Williams does sign, he'll presumably join Luis Abram as the starting duo (as of right now) for Atlanta for 2024.
3. Minnesota United re-sign Wil Trapp
Midfielder Wil Trapp is staying put at Allianz Field, re-signing with Minnesota United on a two-year contract through the 2025 season.
Trapp has become a mainstay in Minnesota's starting XI, suiting up for the Loons 98 times across all competitions since joining in 2021.
With over 300 MLS appearances under his belt, Trapp is set to be part of the Minnesota midfield under interim head coach Sean McAuley through the next two years.
4. Columbus Crew sign midfielder Derrick Jones
2023 MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew have signed free-agent midfielder Derrick Jones on a two-year deal through the 2025 campaign with an option for 2026.
Jones most recently played for Charlotte FC, where he made 53 appearances and scored two goals after joining before the 2022 season.
"Derrick is a versatile player and a true competitor," Columbus president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release.
"He adds significant experience and depth to our roster, which will be critical as we have an increased number of matches following our MLS Cup championship season, including Concacaf Champions Cup."
Jones also had stints with Houston Dynamo, Philadelphia Union and Nashville SC before suiting up for The Crown in their inaugural 2022 season.