Tom Bogert
@tombogert.bsky.social
⚽️ MLS and USMNT Insider for The Athletic, CBS Sports Golazo Network, Soccerwise and more
🟡 Cristian Espinoza joins a star-studded attack with Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge.
Mukhtar and Surridge combined for 40 of Nashville's 58 regular season goals.
Now, another key attacker here to take some of that burden.
Mukhtar and Surridge combined for 40 of Nashville's 58 regular season goals.
Now, another key attacker here to take some of that burden.
💣🇦🇷 BREAKING: Nashville SC has signed free agent winger Cristian Espinoza, sources tell @theathleticfc.bsky.social.
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Nashville SC signs top MLS free agent Cristian Espinoza to elevate attack: Sources
Espinoza will link up with two of the most productive attacking talents in MLS to boost Nashville's chances in 2026
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:17 PM
🟡 Cristian Espinoza joins a star-studded attack with Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge.
Mukhtar and Surridge combined for 40 of Nashville's 58 regular season goals.
Now, another key attacker here to take some of that burden.
Mukhtar and Surridge combined for 40 of Nashville's 58 regular season goals.
Now, another key attacker here to take some of that burden.
The Portland Timbers also offered Cristian Espinoza a DP deal and was a finalist for Espinoza, per sources. I'd expect Portland to continue exploring DP attacker options.
LAFC was among many other MLS teams in the mix, but Espinoza ultimately lands in Nashville.
LAFC was among many other MLS teams in the mix, but Espinoza ultimately lands in Nashville.
💣🇦🇷 BREAKING: Nashville SC has signed free agent winger Cristian Espinoza, sources tell @theathleticfc.bsky.social.
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Nashville SC signs top MLS free agent Cristian Espinoza to elevate attack: Sources
Espinoza will link up with two of the most productive attacking talents in MLS to boost Nashville's chances in 2026
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:06 PM
The Portland Timbers also offered Cristian Espinoza a DP deal and was a finalist for Espinoza, per sources. I'd expect Portland to continue exploring DP attacker options.
LAFC was among many other MLS teams in the mix, but Espinoza ultimately lands in Nashville.
LAFC was among many other MLS teams in the mix, but Espinoza ultimately lands in Nashville.
💣🇦🇷 BREAKING: Nashville SC has signed free agent winger Cristian Espinoza, sources tell @theathleticfc.bsky.social.
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Nashville SC signs top MLS free agent Cristian Espinoza to elevate attack: Sources
Espinoza will link up with two of the most productive attacking talents in MLS to boost Nashville's chances in 2026
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:01 PM
💣🇦🇷 BREAKING: Nashville SC has signed free agent winger Cristian Espinoza, sources tell @theathleticfc.bsky.social.
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Espinoza was the marquee free agent this winter. He will be a DP in Nashville.
The 30-year-old is San Jose's all-time assists leader. www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Sources: Brøndby is set to sign Polish midfielder Bartosz Sliz from Atlanta United.
Fee in region of $3m.
Significant cap relief for Atlanta.
Fee in region of $3m.
Significant cap relief for Atlanta.
January 7, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Sources: Brøndby is set to sign Polish midfielder Bartosz Sliz from Atlanta United.
Fee in region of $3m.
Significant cap relief for Atlanta.
Fee in region of $3m.
Significant cap relief for Atlanta.
🇦🇷 BREAKING: Inter Miami is nearing a deal to sign winger Tadeo Allende on a permanent deal from Celta Vigo, sources say.
Allende won’t be a DP as deal currently planned.
Reporting with @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Allende won’t be a DP as deal currently planned.
Reporting with @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Inter Miami closing on deal to keep star winger Tadeo Allende: Sources
www.nytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:14 AM
🇦🇷 BREAKING: Inter Miami is nearing a deal to sign winger Tadeo Allende on a permanent deal from Celta Vigo, sources say.
Allende won’t be a DP as deal currently planned.
Reporting with @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Allende won’t be a DP as deal currently planned.
Reporting with @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Houston being in negotiations for Mateusz Bogusz would be for third DP spot... it would be a signing in addition to DP winger Guilherme and two other TAM signings.
➕ Dynamo not the only MLS club who wants Bogusz but Houston has priority right now, hoping to get deal done
➕ Dynamo not the only MLS club who wants Bogusz but Houston has priority right now, hoping to get deal done
🇵🇱 Sources: Houston Dynamo in talks to sign Poland int'l attacker Mateusz Bogusz from Cruz Azul.
Houston made an offer around $6.5m + add-ons. Talks ongoing.
Bogusz, 24, starred for LAFC before heading to Cruz Azul. Had 15g/7a in 2024 for LAFC.
Houston made an offer around $6.5m + add-ons. Talks ongoing.
Bogusz, 24, starred for LAFC before heading to Cruz Azul. Had 15g/7a in 2024 for LAFC.
January 6, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Houston being in negotiations for Mateusz Bogusz would be for third DP spot... it would be a signing in addition to DP winger Guilherme and two other TAM signings.
➕ Dynamo not the only MLS club who wants Bogusz but Houston has priority right now, hoping to get deal done
➕ Dynamo not the only MLS club who wants Bogusz but Houston has priority right now, hoping to get deal done
🇵🇱 Sources: Houston Dynamo in talks to sign Poland int'l attacker Mateusz Bogusz from Cruz Azul.
Houston made an offer around $6.5m + add-ons. Talks ongoing.
Bogusz, 24, starred for LAFC before heading to Cruz Azul. Had 15g/7a in 2024 for LAFC.
Houston made an offer around $6.5m + add-ons. Talks ongoing.
Bogusz, 24, starred for LAFC before heading to Cruz Azul. Had 15g/7a in 2024 for LAFC.
January 6, 2026 at 9:10 PM
🇵🇱 Sources: Houston Dynamo in talks to sign Poland int'l attacker Mateusz Bogusz from Cruz Azul.
Houston made an offer around $6.5m + add-ons. Talks ongoing.
Bogusz, 24, starred for LAFC before heading to Cruz Azul. Had 15g/7a in 2024 for LAFC.
Houston made an offer around $6.5m + add-ons. Talks ongoing.
Bogusz, 24, starred for LAFC before heading to Cruz Azul. Had 15g/7a in 2024 for LAFC.
🇺🇸 Sources: Toronto FC has signed veteran goalkeeper William Yarbrough. Adds experience to young GK room.
Luka Gavran will be TFC's starter this season. Club didn't search for new GK this winter, Gavran was the plan.
Gavran, 25, just called into Canada national team Jan. camp.
Luka Gavran will be TFC's starter this season. Club didn't search for new GK this winter, Gavran was the plan.
Gavran, 25, just called into Canada national team Jan. camp.
January 6, 2026 at 4:47 PM
🇺🇸 Sources: Toronto FC has signed veteran goalkeeper William Yarbrough. Adds experience to young GK room.
Luka Gavran will be TFC's starter this season. Club didn't search for new GK this winter, Gavran was the plan.
Gavran, 25, just called into Canada national team Jan. camp.
Luka Gavran will be TFC's starter this season. Club didn't search for new GK this winter, Gavran was the plan.
Gavran, 25, just called into Canada national team Jan. camp.
The New York Red Bulls had zero worry about whether or not Michael Bradley was ready to become a first team head coach.
Neither was he.
“To be trusted to lead this club going forward... it's something that I am going to commit my absolute life to."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Neither was he.
“To be trusted to lead this club going forward... it's something that I am going to commit my absolute life to."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Michael Bradley on Red Bulls coaching opportunity: ‘How in the world could you say no?’
The former USMNT great is all-in on on his new role as Red Bulls manager, which cements his rapid ascent from player to MLS coach
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:35 PM
The New York Red Bulls had zero worry about whether or not Michael Bradley was ready to become a first team head coach.
Neither was he.
“To be trusted to lead this club going forward... it's something that I am going to commit my absolute life to."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Neither was he.
“To be trusted to lead this club going forward... it's something that I am going to commit my absolute life to."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
Reposted by Tom Bogert
Paul Rothrock explored all his options during free agency. He had more lucrative offers from other MLS teams and even had a chance to go to England. But after weighing the pros and cons, he decided Seattle was where he wanted to be.
www.sounderatheart.com/2026/01/paul...
www.sounderatheart.com/2026/01/paul...
January 5, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Paul Rothrock explored all his options during free agency. He had more lucrative offers from other MLS teams and even had a chance to go to England. But after weighing the pros and cons, he decided Seattle was where he wanted to be.
www.sounderatheart.com/2026/01/paul...
www.sounderatheart.com/2026/01/paul...
🇦🇷 Sources: Atlanta United nearing deal to acquire Argentine left back Elias Baez from San Lorenzo.
Not totally agreed yet but close. Fee would be around $3m and Baez would join via U-22 initiative.
Baez, 21, has made 60 apps for San Lorenzo's first team.
Not totally agreed yet but close. Fee would be around $3m and Baez would join via U-22 initiative.
Baez, 21, has made 60 apps for San Lorenzo's first team.
January 5, 2026 at 10:28 PM
🇦🇷 Sources: Atlanta United nearing deal to acquire Argentine left back Elias Baez from San Lorenzo.
Not totally agreed yet but close. Fee would be around $3m and Baez would join via U-22 initiative.
Baez, 21, has made 60 apps for San Lorenzo's first team.
Not totally agreed yet but close. Fee would be around $3m and Baez would join via U-22 initiative.
Baez, 21, has made 60 apps for San Lorenzo's first team.
🇺🇸 Sources: Norwegian club Fredrikstad SK will sign rising American attacker Gabriel Wesseh.
Wesseh turns 18 in May... will join then.
Wesseh had 4g/7a in MLS Next Pro with Atlanta United's second team this year. Atlanta wanted to keep him, but Wesseh will head to Fredrikstad.
Wesseh turns 18 in May... will join then.
Wesseh had 4g/7a in MLS Next Pro with Atlanta United's second team this year. Atlanta wanted to keep him, but Wesseh will head to Fredrikstad.
January 5, 2026 at 4:33 PM
🇺🇸 Sources: Norwegian club Fredrikstad SK will sign rising American attacker Gabriel Wesseh.
Wesseh turns 18 in May... will join then.
Wesseh had 4g/7a in MLS Next Pro with Atlanta United's second team this year. Atlanta wanted to keep him, but Wesseh will head to Fredrikstad.
Wesseh turns 18 in May... will join then.
Wesseh had 4g/7a in MLS Next Pro with Atlanta United's second team this year. Atlanta wanted to keep him, but Wesseh will head to Fredrikstad.
The New York Red Bulls and center back Alexander Hack have agreed to a mutual contract termination.
The move frees up key salary cap space for RBNY
The move frees up key salary cap space for RBNY
January 5, 2026 at 4:05 PM
The New York Red Bulls and center back Alexander Hack have agreed to a mutual contract termination.
The move frees up key salary cap space for RBNY
The move frees up key salary cap space for RBNY
It was admirable that Wilfried Nancy didn't want to leave the Columbus Crew during the middle of season.
But joining a European club in this time period, with midweek games essentially every week, did not give him any time to implement make changes in training. Needs a preseason
But joining a European club in this time period, with midweek games essentially every week, did not give him any time to implement make changes in training. Needs a preseason
BREAKING: Celtic has sacked Wilfried Nancy after about a month in charge.
January 5, 2026 at 3:32 PM
It was admirable that Wilfried Nancy didn't want to leave the Columbus Crew during the middle of season.
But joining a European club in this time period, with midweek games essentially every week, did not give him any time to implement make changes in training. Needs a preseason
But joining a European club in this time period, with midweek games essentially every week, did not give him any time to implement make changes in training. Needs a preseason
BREAKING: Celtic has sacked Wilfried Nancy after about a month in charge.
January 5, 2026 at 3:17 PM
BREAKING: Celtic has sacked Wilfried Nancy after about a month in charge.
🇷🇴 Sources: D.C. United has completed a club-record deal to sign Romanian int'l forward Louis Munteanu from CFR Cluj.
Deal around $7m + add-ons which could take total fee to $10m.
Big signing for D.C.
Deal around $7m + add-ons which could take total fee to $10m.
Big signing for D.C.
January 5, 2026 at 12:30 PM
🇷🇴 Sources: D.C. United has completed a club-record deal to sign Romanian int'l forward Louis Munteanu from CFR Cluj.
Deal around $7m + add-ons which could take total fee to $10m.
Big signing for D.C.
Deal around $7m + add-ons which could take total fee to $10m.
Big signing for D.C.
🚨 BREAKING: Sporting KC is finalizing a deal to name Rapha Wicky the club's next head coach, sources say.
Wicky was most recently head coach at BSC Young Boys.
This is SKC's first permanent head coach following legend Peter Vermes leaving the club. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Wicky was most recently head coach at BSC Young Boys.
This is SKC's first permanent head coach following legend Peter Vermes leaving the club. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Sporting KC to name Raphael Wicky next head coach: Sources
Sporting KC is finalizing a deal with Raphael Wicky, who won the Swiss Super League with Young Boys and previously coached the Chicago Fire.
www.nytimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 10:06 PM
🚨 BREAKING: Sporting KC is finalizing a deal to name Rapha Wicky the club's next head coach, sources say.
Wicky was most recently head coach at BSC Young Boys.
This is SKC's first permanent head coach following legend Peter Vermes leaving the club. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Wicky was most recently head coach at BSC Young Boys.
This is SKC's first permanent head coach following legend Peter Vermes leaving the club. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
The Philadelphia Union signed Kai Wagner for $50k fee + $20k add-ons from German third tier in 2019
Wagner won two Supporters' Shields with Philly & was named two MLS Best XI twice
A unique attacking presence for the system. One of the best value signings in recent MLS history
Wagner won two Supporters' Shields with Philly & was named two MLS Best XI twice
A unique attacking presence for the system. One of the best value signings in recent MLS history
Kai Wagner has joined Birmingham City from the Philadelphia Union.
I'm told fee north of $2m.
When Wagner signed his new contract, the club promised Wagner and his camp that if an offer of this value came from England, they would accept.
Union honored that promise. Club will sign new LB now
I'm told fee north of $2m.
When Wagner signed his new contract, the club promised Wagner and his camp that if an offer of this value came from England, they would accept.
Union honored that promise. Club will sign new LB now
January 2, 2026 at 9:35 PM
The Philadelphia Union signed Kai Wagner for $50k fee + $20k add-ons from German third tier in 2019
Wagner won two Supporters' Shields with Philly & was named two MLS Best XI twice
A unique attacking presence for the system. One of the best value signings in recent MLS history
Wagner won two Supporters' Shields with Philly & was named two MLS Best XI twice
A unique attacking presence for the system. One of the best value signings in recent MLS history
Riqui Puig is one of the best players in MLS, but that's not the whole story to his stardom. He's one of the most fun too. His style + passion. An easy fan favorite.
Injury news sucks. Hopefully he'll be back to 100% before we know it
Injury news sucks. Hopefully he'll be back to 100% before we know it
BREAKING: LA Galaxy star Riqui Puig will undergo knee surgery and his status for 2026 is in question, per sources.
Same knee from torn ACL at end of 2024 which kept him out all of 2025.
Brutal, brutal news for one of the league's best players. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Same knee from torn ACL at end of 2024 which kept him out all of 2025.
Brutal, brutal news for one of the league's best players. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
LA Galaxy's Puig set for knee surgery
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Riqui Puig is one of the best players in MLS, but that's not the whole story to his stardom. He's one of the most fun too. His style + passion. An easy fan favorite.
Injury news sucks. Hopefully he'll be back to 100% before we know it
Injury news sucks. Hopefully he'll be back to 100% before we know it
Reposted by Tom Bogert
Free Newsletter: A look back at 2025, and a lookahead at preseason coverage (yes, it's that time already).
Plus the Galaxy have sadly already lost a bunch of their POWER. Maybe. (But hopefully not)
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Plus the Galaxy have sadly already lost a bunch of their POWER. Maybe. (But hopefully not)
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Happy New Year! Here's a look at what's in the immediate future
Plus some grades, and some thoughts on the Riqui Puig news
open.substack.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Free Newsletter: A look back at 2025, and a lookahead at preseason coverage (yes, it's that time already).
Plus the Galaxy have sadly already lost a bunch of their POWER. Maybe. (But hopefully not)
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Plus the Galaxy have sadly already lost a bunch of their POWER. Maybe. (But hopefully not)
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Kai Wagner has joined Birmingham City from the Philadelphia Union.
I'm told fee north of $2m.
When Wagner signed his new contract, the club promised Wagner and his camp that if an offer of this value came from England, they would accept.
Union honored that promise. Club will sign new LB now
I'm told fee north of $2m.
When Wagner signed his new contract, the club promised Wagner and his camp that if an offer of this value came from England, they would accept.
Union honored that promise. Club will sign new LB now
January 2, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Kai Wagner has joined Birmingham City from the Philadelphia Union.
I'm told fee north of $2m.
When Wagner signed his new contract, the club promised Wagner and his camp that if an offer of this value came from England, they would accept.
Union honored that promise. Club will sign new LB now
I'm told fee north of $2m.
When Wagner signed his new contract, the club promised Wagner and his camp that if an offer of this value came from England, they would accept.
Union honored that promise. Club will sign new LB now
🇺🇸 BREAKING: Austin FC has signed USYNT star Owen Wolff to a new, long-term contract, per sources.
Wolff's new deal is U-22 initiative. Reward for one of the team's most consistent and key players.
Wolff, 21, had career best 7g/8a in 34 MLS regular season apps in 2025
Wolff's new deal is U-22 initiative. Reward for one of the team's most consistent and key players.
Wolff, 21, had career best 7g/8a in 34 MLS regular season apps in 2025
January 2, 2026 at 8:36 PM
🇺🇸 BREAKING: Austin FC has signed USYNT star Owen Wolff to a new, long-term contract, per sources.
Wolff's new deal is U-22 initiative. Reward for one of the team's most consistent and key players.
Wolff, 21, had career best 7g/8a in 34 MLS regular season apps in 2025
Wolff's new deal is U-22 initiative. Reward for one of the team's most consistent and key players.
Wolff, 21, had career best 7g/8a in 34 MLS regular season apps in 2025
Reposted by Tom Bogert
gonna go ahead and also holler about the Soccer starter pack made by my crew @kickbacksoccer.bsky.social for anyone new joining Bluesky and looking for soccer voices out there go.bsky.app/MvuMY81
January 2, 2026 at 7:36 PM
gonna go ahead and also holler about the Soccer starter pack made by my crew @kickbacksoccer.bsky.social for anyone new joining Bluesky and looking for soccer voices out there go.bsky.app/MvuMY81
BREAKING: LA Galaxy star Riqui Puig will undergo knee surgery and his status for 2026 is in question, per sources.
Same knee from torn ACL at end of 2024 which kept him out all of 2025.
Brutal, brutal news for one of the league's best players. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Same knee from torn ACL at end of 2024 which kept him out all of 2025.
Brutal, brutal news for one of the league's best players. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
LA Galaxy's Puig set for knee surgery
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:19 PM
BREAKING: LA Galaxy star Riqui Puig will undergo knee surgery and his status for 2026 is in question, per sources.
Same knee from torn ACL at end of 2024 which kept him out all of 2025.
Brutal, brutal news for one of the league's best players. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Same knee from torn ACL at end of 2024 which kept him out all of 2025.
Brutal, brutal news for one of the league's best players. www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
🇩🇰 Sources: Philadelphia Union finalizing deal to sign center back Sery Larsen from Brann. BT Sporten 1st.
Larsen, 25, made 98 apps for Brann. Former Denmark youth int’l. Key new center back signing for Philly.
Larsen, 25, made 98 apps for Brann. Former Denmark youth int’l. Key new center back signing for Philly.
January 2, 2026 at 4:23 PM
🇩🇰 Sources: Philadelphia Union finalizing deal to sign center back Sery Larsen from Brann. BT Sporten 1st.
Larsen, 25, made 98 apps for Brann. Former Denmark youth int’l. Key new center back signing for Philly.
Larsen, 25, made 98 apps for Brann. Former Denmark youth int’l. Key new center back signing for Philly.