The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast
@thedppod.bsky.social
Your home for all things MLS, past, present and future! Hosted by Andrew and Connor, members of Soccer Reporters since 2024
These are just such wild ambitions out of #InterMiamiCF. Win the league then buy every good player around you. 🤣🤣
Feels very Bayern Munich of them. Good on LAFC for turning away.
Feels very Bayern Munich of them. Good on LAFC for turning away.
💣🌶️ SOURCES: Before Inter Miami advanced on German Berterame...
Miami launched audacious bid worth ~$13m to LAFC for star Denis Bouanga (!)
LAFC rejected the deal out of hand. Bouanga doesn't want to leave, but would like new contract w/ LAFC
DETAILS:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Miami launched audacious bid worth ~$13m to LAFC for star Denis Bouanga (!)
LAFC rejected the deal out of hand. Bouanga doesn't want to leave, but would like new contract w/ LAFC
DETAILS:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
January 21, 2026 at 9:21 PM
These are just such wild ambitions out of #InterMiamiCF. Win the league then buy every good player around you. 🤣🤣
Feels very Bayern Munich of them. Good on LAFC for turning away.
Feels very Bayern Munich of them. Good on LAFC for turning away.
Ohhhh this is an interesting one for #LAGalaxy. Missing the 9 was huge for them last year outside of Puigs absence.
He has declined over time with injury at STL. But maybe a change of scenery would do him well... one to watch!
He has declined over time with injury at STL. But maybe a change of scenery would do him well... one to watch!
🟡🚨 BREAKING: LA Galaxy in talks to acquire St. Louis City DP forward Joao Klauss, per sources.
Deal would be a cash trade around $2m.
Not done yet, still details to sort + green light from player needed, but talks ongoing.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Deal would be a cash trade around $2m.
Not done yet, still details to sort + green light from player needed, but talks ongoing.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
LA Galaxy in talks with St. Louis City over Klauss trade: Sources
The pending move continues a busy offseason for the Galaxy and would open up a DP spot for St. Louis
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Ohhhh this is an interesting one for #LAGalaxy. Missing the 9 was huge for them last year outside of Puigs absence.
He has declined over time with injury at STL. But maybe a change of scenery would do him well... one to watch!
He has declined over time with injury at STL. But maybe a change of scenery would do him well... one to watch!
Last time they released these numbers multiple teams were at 0 or six figures IIRC.
Teams have lots of room to be clever with their construction, but not a ton of time. Preseason already here. Better get to work!
Teams have lots of room to be clever with their construction, but not a ton of time. Preseason already here. Better get to work!
MLS announces offseason GAM count for all 30 clubs
GAM is a valuable tool for MLS roster building. Can acquire players/assets, but most used to buy down non-DP salary cap hits to fit under roster rules
GAM is a valuable tool for MLS roster building. Can acquire players/assets, but most used to buy down non-DP salary cap hits to fit under roster rules
January 21, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Last time they released these numbers multiple teams were at 0 or six figures IIRC.
Teams have lots of room to be clever with their construction, but not a ton of time. Preseason already here. Better get to work!
Teams have lots of room to be clever with their construction, but not a ton of time. Preseason already here. Better get to work!
This has got to be the most insane football related story I've ever read.
Extremely glad that Heath got out of this unharmed. Just some super scary stuff out in the world these days.
Extremely glad that Heath got out of this unharmed. Just some super scary stuff out in the world these days.
Ex-MLS coach Adrian Heath thought the job interview might lead to the next part of the world football would take him.
Instead, it turned into a nightmare.
“I started thinking about all the good stuff about my life,” he said. “My wife. My children. My grandkids.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Instead, it turned into a nightmare.
“I started thinking about all the good stuff about my life,” he said. “My wife. My children. My grandkids.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
The extraordinary story of a soccer coach, a kidnapping and a Saudi job that didn’t exist
Adrian Heath was duped into thinking he was on the verge of a new job – only to be held at knifepoint in Morocco. Turns out he's not alone
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:17 PM
This has got to be the most insane football related story I've ever read.
Extremely glad that Heath got out of this unharmed. Just some super scary stuff out in the world these days.
Extremely glad that Heath got out of this unharmed. Just some super scary stuff out in the world these days.
Big get for #AustinFC. Needed more firepower going forward.
🇺🇾 Sources: Austin FC will sign Facundo Torres from Palmeiras. Deal done pending visas.
$9.5m fee. New DP winger for Austin. Huge signing
$9.5m fee. New DP winger for Austin. Huge signing
🇺🇾🟢 BREAKING: Austin FC is nearing a deal to sign Uruguay international winger Facundo Torres from Palmeiras, per sources.
Deal around $9.5m. Not done yet but close. Would be big signing.
Torres, 25, had 10g/6a in 3,336 mins for Palmeiras this season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Deal around $9.5m. Not done yet but close. Would be big signing.
Torres, 25, had 10g/6a in 3,336 mins for Palmeiras this season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
January 20, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Big get for #AustinFC. Needed more firepower going forward.
This is more like it for #HolditDown. Was very unimpressed with Guilherme DP deal, but this will be a huge bump to their attack
🟠🇵🇱 Sources: Houston Dynamo finalizing a deal to sign Polish attacker Matuesz Bogusz from Cruz Azul.
$6m fee + $4m add ons + 30% sell on, I’m told.
Houston’s biggest signing in busy offseason.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
$6m fee + $4m add ons + 30% sell on, I’m told.
Houston’s biggest signing in busy offseason.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Sources: Dynamo finalizing deal to bring Polish winger Bogusz back to MLS
www.nytimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:13 PM
This is more like it for #HolditDown. Was very unimpressed with Guilherme DP deal, but this will be a huge bump to their attack
#InterMiamiCF keep getting stronger.
Non DP deal will send many into a spiral, and I'll be curious to see what the reported fee is. But, as always, it isn't a shock if the contract is lower than expected due to Messi.
It's Miamis title to lose at this point
Non DP deal will send many into a spiral, and I'll be curious to see what the reported fee is. But, as always, it isn't a shock if the contract is lower than expected due to Messi.
It's Miamis title to lose at this point
🇦🇷 Inter Miami has officially re-signed Tadeo Allende on a permanent deal from Celta Vigo.
Non-DP deal.
Allende, 26, spent last year on loan. Set a new MLS postseason goals record with 9 en route to Miami winning MLS Cup
Non-DP deal.
Allende, 26, spent last year on loan. Set a new MLS postseason goals record with 9 en route to Miami winning MLS Cup
January 19, 2026 at 3:49 PM
#InterMiamiCF keep getting stronger.
Non DP deal will send many into a spiral, and I'll be curious to see what the reported fee is. But, as always, it isn't a shock if the contract is lower than expected due to Messi.
It's Miamis title to lose at this point
Non DP deal will send many into a spiral, and I'll be curious to see what the reported fee is. But, as always, it isn't a shock if the contract is lower than expected due to Messi.
It's Miamis title to lose at this point
There's nothing I love more than a U22 CB. We've always said DPs in the attacking front 4, U22s in the back. That's the way to build.
#OrlandoCity following the model and getting so CB depth in the process
#OrlandoCity following the model and getting so CB depth in the process
🇧🇷 Sources: Orlando City is in advanced talks to sign Brazilian youth int'l CB Iago from Flamengo. Ge Globo 1st.
Not agreed yet. Talks ongoing. Would be U-22 initiative.
Iago, 20, captained Brazil at U-20 World Cup. Talented young player.
Not agreed yet. Talks ongoing. Would be U-22 initiative.
Iago, 20, captained Brazil at U-20 World Cup. Talented young player.
January 18, 2026 at 8:22 PM
There's nothing I love more than a U22 CB. We've always said DPs in the attacking front 4, U22s in the back. That's the way to build.
#OrlandoCity following the model and getting so CB depth in the process
#OrlandoCity following the model and getting so CB depth in the process
He was solid at #LAFC when he broke through at just 18 years old.
Will be very interested to see how he has developed and how he translates to life in the new #MLS at #AllforCity if they can get it done!
Will be very interested to see how he has developed and how he translates to life in the new #MLS at #AllforCity if they can get it done!
🇸🇳🔴 BREAKING: St. Louis City is finalizing a deal to sign Mamadou Mbacke Fall from Barcelona, per sources.
A number of MLS teams wanted him but STL get it done.
Mbacke, 23, made 60 apps for Barcelona’s second team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
A number of MLS teams wanted him but STL get it done.
Mbacke, 23, made 60 apps for Barcelona’s second team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
St. Louis City finalizing deal to sign Barcelona's defender Mbacke
www.nytimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:45 PM
He was solid at #LAFC when he broke through at just 18 years old.
Will be very interested to see how he has developed and how he translates to life in the new #MLS at #AllforCity if they can get it done!
Will be very interested to see how he has developed and how he translates to life in the new #MLS at #AllforCity if they can get it done!
This is genuinely just silly.
Bayern are playing FIFA on Easy Mode. A +57 GD?!?!?!
Are we KIDDING?! That's maddening
Bayern are playing FIFA on Easy Mode. A +57 GD?!?!?!
Are we KIDDING?! That's maddening
January 17, 2026 at 7:31 PM
This is genuinely just silly.
Bayern are playing FIFA on Easy Mode. A +57 GD?!?!?!
Are we KIDDING?! That's maddening
Bayern are playing FIFA on Easy Mode. A +57 GD?!?!?!
Are we KIDDING?! That's maddening
Twitter friends! We are still looking for a #Sounders guest to help round out our Not So Deep Dives lineup!
Have someone you want us to work with? Interested in working with us? Mention them below so we can connect and get the ball rolling!
Have someone you want us to work with? Interested in working with us? Mention them below so we can connect and get the ball rolling!
a red sign that says " help wanted " hangs on a door
ALT: a red sign that says " help wanted " hangs on a door
media.tenor.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Twitter friends! We are still looking for a #Sounders guest to help round out our Not So Deep Dives lineup!
Have someone you want us to work with? Interested in working with us? Mention them below so we can connect and get the ball rolling!
Have someone you want us to work with? Interested in working with us? Mention them below so we can connect and get the ball rolling!
Has been on the radar of many #MLS clubs in the past, but this time #InterMiamiCF get it done.
In his prime, scores goals for fun, and now another tool for Messi. This season may get ugly folks
In his prime, scores goals for fun, and now another tool for Messi. This season may get ugly folks
🇲🇽🦩 BREAKING: Inter Miami is in final stages of a deal to sign Mexico int'l forward German Berterame from CF Monterrey, per sources. @santiago4kd 1st
$15m fee. Final details between Berterame and the clubs to be sorted. Would be Miami's third DP.
w/ @PaulTenorio www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
$15m fee. Final details between Berterame and the clubs to be sorted. Would be Miami's third DP.
w/ @PaulTenorio www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Sources: Inter Miami nears $15M move for star Monterrey, Mexico striker
www.nytimes.com
January 17, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Has been on the radar of many #MLS clubs in the past, but this time #InterMiamiCF get it done.
In his prime, scores goals for fun, and now another tool for Messi. This season may get ugly folks
In his prime, scores goals for fun, and now another tool for Messi. This season may get ugly folks
FACUNDO TORRES ON HIS WAY BACK TO #MLS??
#AustinFC would be a very interesting landing spot. Defensively elite but couldn't score last year. This 100% changes that!
#AustinFC would be a very interesting landing spot. Defensively elite but couldn't score last year. This 100% changes that!
🇺🇾🟢 BREAKING: Austin FC is nearing a deal to sign Uruguay international winger Facundo Torres from Palmeiras, per sources.
Deal around $9.5m. Not done yet but close. Would be big signing.
Torres, 25, had 10g/6a in 3,336 mins for Palmeiras this season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Deal around $9.5m. Not done yet but close. Would be big signing.
Torres, 25, had 10g/6a in 3,336 mins for Palmeiras this season. www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
January 16, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Oh. Well that puts a damper on things. I have to imagine this won't be the most difficult thing they negotiate for, but weird it's been such a hang up
Multiple sources tell ESPN that the MLSPA hasn't yet approved MLS's proposed switch to a summer/spring calendar. Talks between the MLSPA and #MLS are "ongoing" I'm told.
January 14, 2026 at 11:58 PM
Oh. Well that puts a damper on things. I have to imagine this won't be the most difficult thing they negotiate for, but weird it's been such a hang up
Didn't see a ton of him in LA, but #RCTID have a thing about getting the best out of their wingers.
Will enjoy seeing how they implement him into their system
Will enjoy seeing how they implement him into their system
🇳🇱 Sources: Portland Timbers in talks to sign former Club America winger Javairô Dilrosun.
Negotiations ongoing, nothing agreed yet.
Dilrosun, 27, spent time with LAFC last season on loan. Played in Budesliga, Ligue 1 and Eredivisie before coming to Mexico.
Negotiations ongoing, nothing agreed yet.
Dilrosun, 27, spent time with LAFC last season on loan. Played in Budesliga, Ligue 1 and Eredivisie before coming to Mexico.
January 14, 2026 at 11:57 PM
Didn't see a ton of him in LA, but #RCTID have a thing about getting the best out of their wingers.
Will enjoy seeing how they implement him into their system
Will enjoy seeing how they implement him into their system
#HolditDown need to get this done. If they do. I really like their chances in 2026
🇵🇱 Sources: Houston Dynamo getting closer on a deal to sign Matuesz Bogusz from Cruz Azul.
Nothing agreed/done yet, but progressing. Still work to do, including finishing personal terms.
Houston getting a lot of new, key pieces this winter. Not done yet.
Nothing agreed/done yet, but progressing. Still work to do, including finishing personal terms.
Houston getting a lot of new, key pieces this winter. Not done yet.
January 14, 2026 at 11:33 PM
#HolditDown need to get this done. If they do. I really like their chances in 2026
This is a very interesting move. A lot of talk around players going USL for an easier path to Europe.
Now the record setting fee in USL to make that move is coming BACK to #MLS.
Not a ton to digest, just think it's interesting amidst the ongoing dialouges of the two leagues...
Now the record setting fee in USL to make that move is coming BACK to #MLS.
Not a ton to digest, just think it's interesting amidst the ongoing dialouges of the two leagues...
🇺🇸 Sources: Houston Dynamo has agreed a deal to sign forward Nick Markanich from CD Castellón
Deal is a loan w/ purchase option
Markanich, 26, set USL Championship single-season record for goals with Charleston Battery. Brother of MNUFC's Anthony Markanich
Deal is a loan w/ purchase option
Markanich, 26, set USL Championship single-season record for goals with Charleston Battery. Brother of MNUFC's Anthony Markanich
January 14, 2026 at 9:21 PM
This is a very interesting move. A lot of talk around players going USL for an easier path to Europe.
Now the record setting fee in USL to make that move is coming BACK to #MLS.
Not a ton to digest, just think it's interesting amidst the ongoing dialouges of the two leagues...
Now the record setting fee in USL to make that move is coming BACK to #MLS.
Not a ton to digest, just think it's interesting amidst the ongoing dialouges of the two leagues...
Reposted by The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast
The #AllForCITY acquisition of Daniel Edelman was a hot topic of discussion last night. Here’s what our NY friends said about his career and expectations of what he’ll bring to St. Louis.
Thanks to @thedppod.bsky.social and @HudsonRiverBlue.com for taking the time to give us their insight.
Thanks to @thedppod.bsky.social and @HudsonRiverBlue.com for taking the time to give us their insight.
January 14, 2026 at 5:06 PM
The #AllForCITY acquisition of Daniel Edelman was a hot topic of discussion last night. Here’s what our NY friends said about his career and expectations of what he’ll bring to St. Louis.
Thanks to @thedppod.bsky.social and @HudsonRiverBlue.com for taking the time to give us their insight.
Thanks to @thedppod.bsky.social and @HudsonRiverBlue.com for taking the time to give us their insight.
Be sure to give this a look, we were able to contribute to their segment on the Daniel Edelman move from #RBNY to #AllforCity!!
Episode 4 is available now!
The perfect way to get caught up on the latest preseason news/notes as #AllForCITY continues camp in St. Louis through the end of the week.
Available on your favorite streaming platforms: stlsoccernews.com/red-smoke-ri...
The perfect way to get caught up on the latest preseason news/notes as #AllForCITY continues camp in St. Louis through the end of the week.
Available on your favorite streaming platforms: stlsoccernews.com/red-smoke-ri...
January 14, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Be sure to give this a look, we were able to contribute to their segment on the Daniel Edelman move from #RBNY to #AllforCity!!
Welcome to CITY, Daniel! ⚡️
We have acquired 22-year-old midfielder Daniel Edelman from Red Bull New York.
🗞️ www.stlcitysc.com/news/st-loui...
We have acquired 22-year-old midfielder Daniel Edelman from Red Bull New York.
🗞️ www.stlcitysc.com/news/st-loui...
January 13, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Be sure to check out all your favorite #MLS content creators, many of which will be joining us for our Not So Deep Dives for the 2026 season! 👇👇👇
With the 2026 MLS season just over a month away, we've put together a list of outlets covering the league and all 30 teams. Check them out for all the news and info you'll need this season!
Where to find MLS coverege?
A list of outlets covering Major League Soccer
www.sixonefivesoccer.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Be sure to check out all your favorite #MLS content creators, many of which will be joining us for our Not So Deep Dives for the 2026 season! 👇👇👇
Big move out for #OrlandoCity.
Was not performing at a DP level and now they can reinvest in someone who can contribute a bit more
Was not performing at a DP level and now they can reinvest in someone who can contribute a bit more
🇨🇴 Sources: Junior FC finalizing deal to sign Luis Muriel from Orlando City.
Deal opens DP spot for Orlando. Club plans to use it.
Orlando still has a U-22 slot as well.
Deal opens DP spot for Orlando. Club plans to use it.
Orlando still has a U-22 slot as well.
January 13, 2026 at 1:51 AM
Big move out for #OrlandoCity.
Was not performing at a DP level and now they can reinvest in someone who can contribute a bit more
Was not performing at a DP level and now they can reinvest in someone who can contribute a bit more
🇩🇪 BREAKING: The San Jose Earthquakes are nearing a deal to sign forward Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, per sources.
Deal close but not 100% done. Werner would be a DP.
Werner, 29, has 57 caps with Germany. Scored 24 goals.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Deal close but not 100% done. Werner would be a DP.
Werner, 29, has 57 caps with Germany. Scored 24 goals.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
San Jose Earthquakes nearing deal to sign Timo Werner from Leipzig: Sources
The German forward is out of favor at RB Leipzig and is seeking a fresh start in MLS
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Marko mitrovic calling all the us youth players to build up #NERevs ahead of his first season.
Yow was an interesting one at DCU. Excited to see him after he's developed a bit more
Yow was an interesting one at DCU. Excited to see him after he's developed a bit more
🇺🇸 Sources: New England Revolution closing in on a deal to acquire USYNT winger Griffin Yow from Westerlo.
Fee just over $400k I'm told. Deal agreed but needs to be finalized.
Yow, 23, is a product of D.C. United's academy. Blossomed at Westerlo.
Fee just over $400k I'm told. Deal agreed but needs to be finalized.
Yow, 23, is a product of D.C. United's academy. Blossomed at Westerlo.
January 12, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Marko mitrovic calling all the us youth players to build up #NERevs ahead of his first season.
Yow was an interesting one at DCU. Excited to see him after he's developed a bit more
Yow was an interesting one at DCU. Excited to see him after he's developed a bit more
Not a shock, but #MNUFC have their Ramsay replacement.
Knows the team, league, players, and system. Should be an easy transition
Knows the team, league, players, and system. Should be an easy transition
NEWS: The club announced today that Cameron Knowles has been promoted to head coach, effective immediately.
More » https://utd.mn/3NimZYq
More » https://utd.mn/3NimZYq
January 12, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Not a shock, but #MNUFC have their Ramsay replacement.
Knows the team, league, players, and system. Should be an easy transition
Knows the team, league, players, and system. Should be an easy transition