MLS transfer rumors surrounding Sebastian Berhalter’s future have been swirling around the young midfielder since he first burst on the scene last season with Vancouver Whitecaps. But this week those rumors finally stuck.
The 25 year-old USMNT player is off to Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship. This is some smart business from Vancouver, as Sebs was out of contract at the end of 2026 and they earned $2M rather than see him depart on a free. Berhalter had 13 contributions (6g/7a) in the first half of the MLS season.
Ka-ching! (Sort of)
Philadelphia Union made a small fortune transferring South Africa center-back Olwethu Makhanya to Scottish superclub Rangers, it was announced today. Makhanya, 22 years-old, was called up by his nation for the summer’s World Cup, but did not take the pitch. Union will rake in nearly $4.5M, most of that guaranteed but with some add-on incentives likely thrown in. Makhanya played in 53 matches for Philly (plus 31 for their MLSPro academy) since joining in July 2023 from Stellenbosch FC, and was part of the squad that lifted the 2025 Supporters Shield. Considering their initial fee to Stellenbosch was only $500K, this represents a tidy profit.
Of course, since the club had to shell out nearly $4M to lure Kai Wagner back from Birmingham City, it ultimately proves to be an exercise in balancing the books.
53 is the magic number
Another player with 53 appearances also hit the transfer wire this morning. Atlanta United confirmed the transfer of Portuguese defender Pedro Amador to the Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 27 year-old left back departs after two years having scored 2 goals and 8 assists. Along with the loan expirations on Matías Galarza and Juan Berrocal, and the Saba Lobjanidze trade to Real Salt Lake, Atlanta has clearly over $3.4M in salary off their books.
Big Names Coming Into MLS
DC United welcomed Japanese midfielder Kimito Nono this week. The 24 year-old moves over from Kashima Antlers, who won the J1 league back in 2025. Nono plays both attack and defense, though exclusively on the right side, and according to United’s Dr. Erkut Sogut (managing director of soccer operations) “that versatility is something we value highly. He combines defensive reliability with exceptional attacking instincts.” The transfer fee was $1.5M, and is the second major signing by the Eagles this summer, after acquiring forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC two weeks ago.
Portland taps some old-growth
Portland signed veteran striker Vincent Janssen this week. The 32 year-old former Netherlands international spent the last four seasons with Belgium’s Royal Antwerp. In 173 matches, he accumulated 64g/27a. This is the Timbers’ first big move since March when they acquired José Caicedo from Pumas.
Personally, I’m surprised they went with an attacker as they don’t lack for goals. Their tally of 31 is tied for 8th in the league. Defensively, however, they’re in the bottom third. But hey, new coach Martí Cifuentes, who replaced ousted gaffer Phil Neville on July 21, has some sort of plan. Right?
San Diego makes waves
Down in southern California, San Diego has made some waves with recent signings. They nabbed Icelandic right back Dagur Dan Thórhallsson from CF Montréal. This deepens their already deep pool of outside backs, which includes Christopher McVey, Oscar Verhoeven, William Kumado, Keiren Sargeant and Luca Bombino.
On that same day, they also announced the transfer of Tunisian winger Elias Achouri from FC København for up to $3.5M with add-ons. He will occupy a Designated Player spot. Achouri logged 42 minutes over three matches in the World Cup, and featured in København’s Champions League campaign last season, as well as their historic double in 2024/25 (Danish League and Cup). San Diego had a rough start after last year’s Cinderella story debut which saw them win the Western Conference. They’re currently 12th, but only three points off a play-off spot.
Turkish delight
St. Louis CITY put down a big bet on Danish forward Carlo Holse earlier this week. His transfer from Turkish Süper Lig outfit Samsunspor will cost $6M. The 27 year-old will fill in an international and Designated Player spot. In nearly 300 career games he’s recorded 53g/54a, and sporting director Corey Wray commented: “he has the quality and experience to make an immediate impact, and his ability to create and finish chances will strengthen our group in the final third.” CITY are looking to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since their inaugural season in 2023. They’re currently in 7th place in the West.
Philadelphia Union also got some additional GAM cash from this deal, as St. Louis had to purchase their discovery rights on Holse for $200K.
