The World Cup free agent stars MLS clubs should be courting

Clubs around MLS have long viewed the 2026 World Cup as a recruitment tool. Much as the league has hoped to use it as “rocket fuel” for general growth, there are gains to be had from North America hosting the biggest tournament in the sport’s history.

Consider that this summer will expose more high-level players to state-of-the-art facilities at clubs around the league. Argentina is training at Sporting Kansas City’s facility, for instance, while Brazil is at Red Bull New York’s new training ground and Ivory Coast is at the Philadelphia Union’s, to name a few.

Perhaps the fruit of this labor won’t be ripe for picking until the future. For others, though, including big-name players out of contract, this summer may be the start of a North American sojourn. To that end, we’ve identified a handful of players who fit the bill and some potential landing spots. While players will be handling their business on the field at the World Cup, there’s other business to consider once the final whistle blows on July 19 in New Jersey.

A quick disclaimer for a couple players not listed below: Neymar’s camp has held talks with FC Cincinnati, but he is not out of contract this summer; his Santos deal runs until the end of December, hence his exclusion. Mohamed Salah, similarly, isn’t yet out of contract, despite his very public farewell from Liverpool. As for those who would be more obtainable in the coming weeks:

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Casemiro, Brazil

Best fit: Inter Miami

Let’s start with one we know: the Brazil international midfielder is set to join Inter Miami after the World Cup, as previously reported by The Athletic. The only thing remaining is sorting compensation with the LA Galaxy, who hold his “discovery rights” and also strongly pursued the player.

Casemiro, though, has made it clear he has picked Miami as his next destination once his Manchester United contract expires this summer.

The 34-year-old will play a starring role for Brazil after a renaissance season in the Premier League. His nine goals marked a new career best, as he helped United finish third in the table.

Miami doesn’t have an open designated player slot, meaning barring a departure of a DP, Casemiro will (at least initially) join on a contract worth no more than $1,803,125 annually. That’s a steep drop from his United contract and a fraction of what he can get in the Middle East.

Memphis Depay, Netherlands

Best fit: Chicago Fire, Charlotte FC 

Depay holds Netherlands records for most goals and assists as he heads to the 2026 World Cup. He also goes into the tournament with his contract expiring.

Depay made a shock move to Brazilian giant Corinthians in 2024 and has had mixed results, with 20 goals and 15 assists in 79 appearances. The former Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Lyon, Manchester United and PSV forward may well be best as a second forward in MLS.

He wouldn’t come cheap, either. Two teams that have the financial might, salary cap flexibility and fit (in two different systems) are Chicago and Charlotte.

For Chicago, it’d be a bit more structured under head coach Gregg Berhalter — whose U.S. side Depay scored against in the 2022 World Cup round of 16 — but the team is looking for another star. He would complement league-leading scorer Hugo Cuypers quite well if the pursuit of Robert Lewandowski comes up empty.

For Charlotte, Depay would have more of a free role and boost creativity in attack. The club has an open DP spot after Wilfried Zaha’s midseason departure.

Raúl Jiménez, Mexico

Best fits: Real Salt Lake, St. Louis City

The Mexico international is an obvious fit for MLS clubs. This league has seen veteran forwards age gracefully, particularly ones that don’t rely on elite top-end speed.

Jiménez, 35, appeared in all but two of Fulham’s Premier League matches in the last two years, scoring 21 goals (4,706 minutes). His physicality and intelligence of movement would lead to a ton of goals in the right team — one with an open DP spot and good chance creation.

RSL has that already and St. Louis City will only continue to grow in that department under Yoann Damet.

David Alaba, Austria

Best fits: Vancouver Whitecaps, St. Louis City, Columbus Crew

A name floated around MLS circles for the last 18 months, the Austria international is leaving Real Madrid this summer.

Alaba captains Austria and would be a fine addition to a number of MLS teams, finances permitting. His positional versatility creates interesting possibilities, even if he hasn’t played in the midfield much since leaving Bayern Munich.

Assuming Alaba remains a ball-playing center back at his next club, a team that highly values possession would be logical — perhaps one that plays three at the back, too. Why not St. Louis or Columbus? Vancouver, and a reunion with Thomas Müller, would be a dream situation, though.

Wout Weghorst, Netherlands

Best fits: Minnesota United, FC Cincinnati, Orlando City

Like the argument for Jiménez, physical forwards age well in MLS in the right systems. The towering Weghorst fits the profile.

The 33-year-old, currently with Ajax, can depart for free this summer. He has bounced around in his career but has 20 goals and six assists in all competitions over the last two years for the Dutch power.

Though he can be more than just an aerial threat, Weghorst makes most sense on a team that crosses often. Minnesota, though it plays less directly this year than last, would be a snug fit.

Would a club be able to entice Weghorst without using a DP slot? That would open a wider range of teams, FC Cincinnati or Orlando.

Leon Goretzka, Germany

Best fits: Chicago Fire, LAFC

Perhaps more likely to remain in Europe, the Germany international midfielder should be courted by MLS clubs.

The 31-year-old, who made 48 appearances across all competitions this season for Bayern Munich, has been with the club since 2018. He has won a ton of trophies and accrued more than 300 appearances.

Goretzka, who could feature against the USMNT this Saturday in Chicago, would almost definitely command a DP contract, limiting the pool of potential suitors. He could be a smart fit for Chicago or LAFC, both of which have the financial might and roster flexibility to make a serious offer. If Atlanta United moves on from one of its DPs, then Tata Martino’s side could, too.

Bernardo Silva, Portugal

Best fit: NYCFC

Likely the lowest possibility of a summer move to MLS of anyone on this list, the Portugal midfielder would immediately be one of the league’s best players if he opted to come.

The 31-year-old remains a highly sought-after player, with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid among European giants chasing him. One source told The Athletic in April they don’t believe Silva is focused on a move to MLS this summer, but if he is, NYCFC (which shares ownership with Manchester City) would be in the mix. Maybe one day the Premier League great will come stateside.