This month sees the start of the 2024 MLS season. As you might expect there has been plenty of transfer activity taking place as clubs look to strengthen their squads. Some of the players transferred are familiar to Manchester United fans.
We’re used to seeing massive transfer fees paid by Premier League clubs. Much has been written about how much United have spent in recent years and compared to the success (or lack of it) that it’s bought.
In the MLS though the transfer fees are minuscule compared to the amounts spent in Europe. In fact, the transfer value of most squads is less than some of the fees paid by the Reds in the past.
The largest transfers in the run-up to this new MLS season have been around the £10 million mark, according to Offers.Bet. Chicago Fire spent that figure on centre forward Hugo Cuypers from Gent.
One player who many United fans will remember is Mexican international Javier Hernandez. Nicknamed ‘Chicharito’ he scored 37 goals for United between 2010 and 2015. He also played for Real Madrid and West Ham United. Recent years have seen him playing for David Beckham’s old club LA Galaxy but he’s now left them.
The 35-year-old (36 in June) has gone back to Mexico to play for Guadaljara and left on a free transfer. The transfer sees him return to where it all began for him 18 years ago. People often say it never works out when you return to a club but who knows, ‘Chicharito’ might just prove that to be a false statement.
Another former Reds player on the move has been Harvey Neville. Phil’s son was on United’s books at one time. He then went to the US and is now at Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham. Last season saw him go on loan to Loudon United but is now back in Miami. Can he force his way into the first team though?
Inter Miami had a poor league season last term. Then came Lionel Messi and they won the League’s Cup. It’s now time for his first full season with the club and hopes are high of success. Inter have made some key signings but mainly on free transfers. Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez are now both with the club. They did spend just under £5 million on centre back Torres Aviles from Racing Club in Argentina. You can get 11/4 on them winning the MLS Cup this season.
There aren’t that many players in the English leagues that are crossing the Atlantic to play in the MLS. Many now opt to go to Saudi Arabia where there are crazy amounts of money on offer to play at poorly attended grounds.
One Premier League player who has gone to the MLS is former Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen. His move to Colorado Rapids isn’t too big a surprise. He was born in the USA and previously played for Columbus Crew. Steffen only actually played a couple of games for City and last season was on loan at Middlesbrough. Steffen might need to be in good form as the Rapids are 100/1 outsiders to win the MLS Cup this year.
Time for more Middlesbrough news because two of their squad have headed stateside. Matthew Hoppe has joined San Jose Earthquakes (66/1 to lift the MLS Cup) but again he’s making his way home and has played for the American national side.
Also leaving Middlesbrough for the States is Matt Crooks who has joined Real Salt Lake who are 40/1 to win the MLS Cup. He was born in Leeds and played for Boro over 100 times. He’s a Manchester United fan and has had an incredible life. He’s forged a career in professional football despite having epilepsy and does work for the Peter Doody Foundation which helps those who have this problem.
Later this month United travel to Nottingham Forest for a FA Cup fifth round tie. Forest are known for their many transfers and have seen some players head to the MLS.
Braian Ojeda has also joined Real Salt Lake. The Paraguayan only played three games for Forest and a loan deal to the MLS club has now been made permanent.
Inter Miami look worthy favourites but only if the team gels. Strong opposition will come from Los Angeles FC and Columbus Crew, who are both 8/1 in the betting.
