GOAL takes a look at five of MLS' biggest outgoing transfers this January, and how they will affect their respective teams heading into 2025
The 2025 MLS season is now just weeks away, and teams are preparing for the upcoming campaign quickly. Clubs are bolstering their rosters ahead of a blockbuster season that awaits all parties, while a 30th team in San Diego FC is being introduced as the latest expansion side. It's set to be the biggest – and most expensive – season ever for teams across the league.
Massive multi-million dollar signings like Miguel Almiron, Kevin Denkey and Brandon Vazquez have all entered the league, all of whom commanded a transfer fee of at least $10 million, while Denkey broke the league record when he joined FC Cincinnati at $16.2 million. However, the league has also seen a massive amount of talent depart, as both clubs and players search for new opportunities.
Austin FC star Sebastian Driussi departed for his native Argentina, while Inter Miami's Paraguayan star Diego Gomez hopped across the pond to join the ranks of Premier League side Brighton. Joining Velasco in South America was also Orlando City superstar Facundo Torres, who moved to Brazilian side Palmeiras in a stunning transfer that changed everything for the Florida club.
South of the Border, LAFC star Mateusz Bogusz was lured to Liga MX by giants Cruz Azul, who bring the Poland international in ahead of a CONCACAF Champions Cup push. In the boldest internal move of the window, Sporting Kansas City became the first MLS team to utilize the rule that was implemented by the league this offseason, paying the LA Galaxy for MLS Cup-winning striker Dejan Joveljic.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew's Cucho Hernandez may be the largest outgoing transfer story this offseason, with the Colombian potentially being lured to Spain after reports surfaced of Real Betis chasing his signature on deadline day.
However, there are five outbound transfers that could be defining moves for their front offices in 2025. If the clubs can adapt and succeed, the decisions will be justified. If not, some could face serious consequences. GOAL examines.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now(C)Getty ImagesDiego Gomez, Inter Miami
The transfer:
Gomez joined English side Brighton for a reported $15M fee in January
How it will impact Miami:
The lose a key part of their attacking trio that found so much success in 2024, with Gomez alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Primarily playing off the left, the Paraguay international scored three goals and recorded seven assists in 19 starts for the club en route to their 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield victory.
Where Gomez found success was linking through interplay with the midfield, and often drawing defenders away from Suarez as the central attacker. Without his influence, there's no proven creative body off the left of the Uruguayan to influence that playstyle, so it could see
Has the club replaced him?
Miami has made a handful of offseason moves already this offseason, but no true heir to Gomez has been brought in yet. Rumors of an attempted push for Neymar emerged although they were shot down by manager Javier Mascherano. The have, however, been busy in the transfer market, bringing in eight players this offseason to bolster their roster. Notably, in the attacking department, MLS veteran Fafa Picault was added, as was Argentine Tadeo Allende.
AdvertisementGettyFacundo Torres, Orlando City
The transfer:
Torres left Orlando City, joining Brazilian side Palmeiras for a reported fee of $14M.
How it will impact Orlando:
Orlando's attack, and essentially the positive momentum with the club, was all because of Torres. His exit changes the upward direction they were on, and their entire attacking game plan. In 2024, the Uruguay international scored 14 goals and recorded six assists across the regular season, and added two more strikes in the postseason. Their leading scorer and star player, he will leave a major hole in both wide areas and central attacking lanes come the 2025 season.
Without him, it remains to be seen how Oscar Pareja will line up his attack, with two strikers potentially being an option.
Has the club replaced him?
Orlando has had a rather quiet transfer window, however, they have brought in a new U22 initiative player in Nicolas Rodriguez, and are rumored to be on the verge of adding Croatian winger Marco Pasalic — who is the most likely Torres replacement.
Getty Images SportSebastian Driussi, Austin FC
The transfer:
Driussi left Austin, returning to Argentina to sign for River Plate in a reported $10M fee, with an 8.5 percent sell-on clause.
How it will impact Austin:
Austin really struggled in 2024 — and Driussi underwhelmed consistently, despite showing his talent in moments every single week. All in all, it was a good move for them to move on from the Argentine, despite such an initial hefty investment in him.
Initially signed from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2021, Driussi was the face of the club from its founding. Moving on from him is a defining moment for the club, but it's also a sign of progress. On the pitch, meanwhile, things are really going to change. In his attacking midfield role, he was both a creator and goal-scorer, and the immediately lose that as a result of him leaving. What they gain, though, is more freedom in their attack — and no longer do they have a lone obligation to move the ball forward through just one individual.
Has the club replaced him?
Austin has been one of MLS' most ambitious teams this offseason, breaking their personal transfer record two separate times. First, they signed U.S. international Brandon Vazquez from CF Monterrey in Liga MX for a reported fee of $10M, then followed it up by adding winger Myroto Uzuni from La Liga side Granada in a $12.3M move. In addition, they brought in midfielder Nicolas Dubersarsky for $3M as a U22 initiative player.
They've been ambitious, now, it's time to see if it will pay off.
ImagnMateusz Bogusz, LAFC
The transfer:
Poland international and LAFC forward Mateusz Bogusz left the club to sign for Liga MX side Cruz Azul.
How it will impact LAFC:
The will be banking their entire season on Olivier Giroud now. After the Frenchman signed for the club in the summer of 2024, he and Bogusz were the lone forwards on the roster, but now, it will be entirely on the former AC Milan star.
Bogusz had a career year in 2024, being one of MLS' best attackers with 15 goals and seven assists during the regular season. He added three more goal contributions in the postseason as well, taking his total up to 25 total across the entire MLS campaign. Those will be really difficult numbers for Steve Cherundolo's side to make up this season, meaning the importance of finding a way to get Giroud to succeed is at an all-time high.
The Poland international was versatile, playing in wide roles, too, meaning regardless of how good Giroud does — the versatility of Bogusz cannot be replicated by the 38-year-old.
Has the club replaced him?
LAFC have not yet made a big splash in the transfer market, but the club has consistently shown how ambitious they are, meaning expectations are they will act sooner rather than later.
