Morning everyone,

Hope your week is going well. A lot to unpack this week. 1,341 words coming at ya!

• ➡️ More MLS Moves

• 🇺🇸 Yanks Abroad

• 👶 Two of MLS’s Best Young Players Head to Europe

• 👑 Big Clubs Coming for MLS’s Elites

• ⚽️ Goal of the Week

• 😂 Meme of the Week

MLS Moves

Minnesota United are in talks for a blockbuster move to sign Colombian star James Rodriguez. The 34 year old posted a photo from a private jet which people are speculating is headed to the Twin Cities. The two sides are still in negotiations but he will not be a DP. James wants to get playing time before the World Cup so he can get a spot on the Colombian National team. He would be the biggest name to ever play for Minnesota.

The Portland Timbers have had a rather quiet offseason. They just made their first big acquisition, acquiring midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids for $2.65M in cash and $1M in add-ons. Bassett will take the U-22 Initiative spot vacated by David Ayala’s departure. Bassett is one of the league’s best box-to-box midfielders

The New York Red Bulls are finalizing a deal to sell centerback Noah Eile to Bristol City for a fee in the region of $4.5M. This is a big loss as Eile is one of the league’s best young defenders, and the Red Bulls already had a need at center back alongside him.

Last week, it was reported that NYCFC finalized a deal for DP forward Moussa Sylla from Schalke. But yesterday Tom Bogert reported that the deal has collapsed. Schalke brass have said, “We are irritated by the behavior of NYCFC. The contracts were not only negotiated but signed.” Sounds like a messy situation. New York hasn’t commented and are now looking for other striker options.

The Columbus Crew is finalizing a deal to sell forward Jacen Russell-Rowe to Toulouse FC for around $2.5M plus add-ons, per Tom Bogert. Russell-Rowe wanted the move, and the Crew granted him his wish. They subsequently signed forward Jamal Thiare from Atlanta United for $200k in GAM. The Crew is one of the teams I’m most excited to watch this season. With a healthy Wessam Abou Ali and two other match-winning DPs beside him, there’s enough here to be very good again. It will depend on how quickly new head coach Henrik Rydstrom can make it all gel.

Real Salt Lake is acquiring Uruguayan international wingback Juan Manuel Sanabria from Atlético San Luis. The deal is between $2-$3M, and he won’t occupy a DP spot. Salt Lake has an open DP spot as it seems like Rwan Cruz’s time with the club has come to an end.

The New York Red Bulls have sold center back Noah Eile to Bristol City for a fee in the region of $4.5M. It’s a club record transfer fee for a defender. This is a big loss as Eile is one of the league’s best young defenders, and the Red Bulls already had a need at center back alongside him. They also finalized a deal to acquire Mexican winger Jorge Ruvalcaba from Pumas. The 24-year-old, who made his Mexico National team debut in November, would likely occupy the third DP spot. He fills a huge need on the wing opposite Emil Forsberg.

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