Major League Soccer has signed its biggest star since the arrival of David Beckham in 2007. Interestingly, he owns Inter Miami and will hire Lionel Messi to grow his franchise into a global marketing success. Maybe even a success on the field. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 MLS transfer rumors on who could follow Messi.
2023 MLS Transfer Rumors
Sergio Busquets
MLS transfer targets don’t get any hotter or as outrageous as this one. Since Lionel Messi has joined Inter Miami, it has been given a role for his former teammates to express their interest in playing in America.
The reigning Barcelona captain has already stated that he will be leaving the club this summer when his contract expires, leaving many wondering exactly where his next club will be. As a former world champion, interest in his achievements is high. Inter Miami offer the most attractive option as Busquets could return with Messi, but the 34-year-old insisted he will not make hasty decisions.
Jordy Alba
Jordi Alba, the current captain of the Spanish national team (at least for the UEFA Nations League), also finds himself a free agent. As Barcelona pushed towards the La Liga title, Jordi Alba was sidelined for the first time in his Barca career, having made relatively few starts this season.
The MLS transfer rumors surrounding Alba in 2023 should come as no surprise as they speculate that he will join Inter Miami to support Lionel Messi in his DRV PNK Stadium project.
Angel DiMaria
After just one season in Turin, Angel Di Maria and Juventus announced earlier this year that the 2022 world champions would not be with the club next season. Rumors of a move to MLS in 2023 then bring the player to the United States.
Last summer, the Argentinian openly said he was not interested, but was persuaded as he was often said to be a close friend of Lionel Messi. After playing with him internationally and at Paris Saint-Germain, could this friendship pave the way for Inter Miami?
Eden Hazard
After years of speculation about a move to Real Madrid, Eden Hazard made the move in 2019. The dream move to Los Blancos was simply terrifying. Although he can claim to have been involved in a few trophies, he has been plagued by injuries and has not been the same player since moving to Spain. Seven goals in four years is a far cry from the 21 he scored in his final season as a Chelsea player.
With his number 7 shirt already given to Vinicius Jr for next season, Hazard will need to find a new employer quickly. Before all the media hype surrounding Lionel Messi and Inter Miami (who are now said to be interested), it was reported that both the Vancouver Whitecaps and CF Montreal wanted to bring him to Canada. Multiple media outlets have reported that Hazard relishes the idea of living across the pond amid speculation of an early Real Madrid release.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The stories surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are very similar to the recent Christian Pulisic transfer news. Chelsea want a sale and the players play no part in their future plans.
The striker has been incredibly inconsistent since leaving Arsenal for Barcelona and his time at Chelsea has been even worse. LAFC emerged as a front runner to help revive his career and the LA Galaxy also seemed interested. However, there is also interest from Galatasaray and some Saudi Arabian clubs.
Aaron Ramsay
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has described taking part in the 2022 World Cup with the national team as a “dream come true”. With that in mind, his civic pride in returning to Cardiff City may seem a tempting prospect, but given he’s only 32, that door will remain open for a few more years.
The former Arsenal, Juventus and Rangers man has been the hottest topic of the 2022 summer transfer window as rumors have suggested he will join Gareth Bale at LAFC, with Charlotte FC keen to land the midfielder. These clubs can still pursue the player as a player. His contract at OGC Nice is expiring with no renewal in sight.
The 32-year-old said he will first focus on his Wales duties when they play Armenia and Turkey in EURO qualifiers. He will then make an informed decision about his next club after consulting with his family, having stated that his two young children will play a big part in his decision. Does Miami have good schools?
Jesse Lingard
Former England and Manchester United player Jesse Lingard showed the world he could still play on a short loan at West Ham United. However, when his contract at Old Trafford expired, he moved to Nottingham Forest where he was expected to be a superstar but played less than half the games.
Rumors of a move to MLS in 2023 have now swirled around the player again after he was also linked with a move to the United States last summer. Now that his contract has been terminated by Forest, Lingard is free to move wherever he wants.
The creative midfielder would complement any set-up at the time. Interest is reportedly coming from coastal teams like LAFC, La Galaxy, Inter Miami and Orlando City.
Roberto Firmino
It’s no secret that former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino’s contract expires at the end of June. After years of success at Anfield, the Brazilian will move on. This has resulted in him being on the MLS transfer target lists and several franchises looking to make the most of the fall years.
He could even work with some of the best MLS players of the moment after he was officially approached by St Louis City earlier this year. LAFC also expressed their interest in the player only adding to rumors of a move to MLS in 2023.
Teemu Pukki
Finland international Teemu Pukki achieved cult status at Carrow Road for Norwich City. With over 200 appearances and more than 80 goals, the player has certainly contributed to the Canaries, leading them to the Premier League twice with his forward play.
However, just like the Tyler Adams transfer news, the player does not want to play in the EFL Championship next season. Norwich were not promoted last season and Pukki wants a completely new challenge.
Minnesota United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the striker after his contract with Norwich expires at the end of June. Working with Finnish international Robin Lod could be one of their biggest selling points as he can definitely help Pukki settle in Minnesota.
Yevhen Cheberko
Well, this is technically no longer a rumor now that the deal has been signed. Despite a solid season in the Eastern Conference, the Columbus Crew have an incredibly penetrable defense that can’t seem to avoid opposing hitters.
Standout defender Yevhen Cheberko has been introduced. The Ukrainian centre-back brings plenty of experience having played for FC Zorya Luhansk and LASK Linz in continental competitions.
