Tom Bogert
@tombogert.bsky.social
⚽️ MLS and USMNT Insider for The Athletic, CBS Sports Golazo Network, Soccerwise and more
🇨🇴⭐️ More details around Minnesota United’s negotiations to sign James Rodriguez, per sources:
- James Rodriguez will NOT be a DP
- Short-term deal. Likely only guarantee to World Cup
- James Rodriguez will NOT be a DP
- Short-term deal. Likely only guarantee to World Cup
🇨🇴💣 BREAKING: Minnesota United is in talks for a shock blockbuster move to sign Colombian star James Rodriguez, per sources.
Would easily be biggest star to play for Loons. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Would easily be biggest star to play for Loons. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
James Rodriguez, Minnesota United in talks over shocking deal: Sources
The Colombian star is a free agent after leaving Club León in Mexico
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:21 PM
🇨🇴⭐️ More details around Minnesota United’s negotiations to sign James Rodriguez, per sources:
- James Rodriguez will NOT be a DP
- Short-term deal. Likely only guarantee to World Cup
- James Rodriguez will NOT be a DP
- Short-term deal. Likely only guarantee to World Cup
Reposted by Tom Bogert
Free newsletter: 2026 MLS Points Over/Unders, which in some ways is a measure of POWER!
Plus we're just hours away from our first installment of #MLSAfterDark for 2026.
We're back, baby!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Plus we're just hours away from our first installment of #MLSAfterDark for 2026.
We're back, baby!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
2026 MLS Points Over/Unders
I joined Tom & Gass for in-depth 2026 prediction show on Soccerwise
open.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Free newsletter: 2026 MLS Points Over/Unders, which in some ways is a measure of POWER!
Plus we're just hours away from our first installment of #MLSAfterDark for 2026.
We're back, baby!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Plus we're just hours away from our first installment of #MLSAfterDark for 2026.
We're back, baby!
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
🇨🇴💣 BREAKING: Minnesota United is in talks for a shock blockbuster move to sign Colombian star James Rodriguez, per sources.
Would easily be biggest star to play for Loons. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Would easily be biggest star to play for Loons. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
James Rodriguez, Minnesota United in talks over shocking deal: Sources
The Colombian star is a free agent after leaving Club León in Mexico
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:18 PM
🇨🇴💣 BREAKING: Minnesota United is in talks for a shock blockbuster move to sign Colombian star James Rodriguez, per sources.
Would easily be biggest star to play for Loons. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Would easily be biggest star to play for Loons. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Sources: Orlando City’s deal to sign CB Dusan Stojinovic is OFF after failed medical.
🟣 Sources: Orlando City finalizing a deal to sign Slovenian CB Dusan Stojinović from Jagiellonia.
The 25-year-old bolsters Orlando’s backline.
Also: No further progress made in talks to sign Iago from Flamengo. TBD
The 25-year-old bolsters Orlando’s backline.
Also: No further progress made in talks to sign Iago from Flamengo. TBD
February 3, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Sources: Orlando City’s deal to sign CB Dusan Stojinovic is OFF after failed medical.
NYCFC back working to sign other options as club will bring in a new forward this winter.
MLS transfer window open well into March.
Club has an open DP spot open if they want to use it
MLS transfer window open well into March.
Club has an open DP spot open if they want to use it
❌ NYCFC’s deal to sign Moussa Sylla on a DP deal has collapsed and Schalke is not happy.
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Moussa Sylla move from Schalke to NYCFC falls through: Sources
NYCFC must turn to alternatives as the club looks to boost its attack for the 2026 MLS season
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:39 PM
NYCFC back working to sign other options as club will bring in a new forward this winter.
MLS transfer window open well into March.
Club has an open DP spot open if they want to use it
MLS transfer window open well into March.
Club has an open DP spot open if they want to use it
❌ NYCFC’s deal to sign Moussa Sylla on a DP deal has collapsed and Schalke is not happy.
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Moussa Sylla move from Schalke to NYCFC falls through: Sources
NYCFC must turn to alternatives as the club looks to boost its attack for the 2026 MLS season
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:35 PM
❌ NYCFC’s deal to sign Moussa Sylla on a DP deal has collapsed and Schalke is not happy.
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
“We are irritated by the behavior of New York City FC. The contracts were not only negotiated but already signed.”
No comment from NYCFC.
w/ @sebsb.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
🇹🇬 Sources: Real Betis was among clubs to approach FC Cincinnati about potential move for Togo int’l forward Kevin Denkey but talks didn’t progress.
FCC highly values Denkey. Would only consider bids well north of $20m.
Denkey, 25, happy in Cincy. Wasn’t pushing to leave.
FCC highly values Denkey. Would only consider bids well north of $20m.
Denkey, 25, happy in Cincy. Wasn’t pushing to leave.
February 2, 2026 at 11:45 PM
🇹🇬 Sources: Real Betis was among clubs to approach FC Cincinnati about potential move for Togo int’l forward Kevin Denkey but talks didn’t progress.
FCC highly values Denkey. Would only consider bids well north of $20m.
Denkey, 25, happy in Cincy. Wasn’t pushing to leave.
FCC highly values Denkey. Would only consider bids well north of $20m.
Denkey, 25, happy in Cincy. Wasn’t pushing to leave.
🇺🇸 The Portland Timbers have acquired midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids.
Fee $2.65m + $950k add-ons + sell-on clause.
Big addition for Portland.
Fee $2.65m + $950k add-ons + sell-on clause.
Big addition for Portland.
February 2, 2026 at 11:05 PM
🇺🇸 The Portland Timbers have acquired midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids.
Fee $2.65m + $950k add-ons + sell-on clause.
Big addition for Portland.
Fee $2.65m + $950k add-ons + sell-on clause.
Big addition for Portland.
🇺🇸 Sources: Real Salt Lake and USYNT attacker Zavier Gozo (18) one to watch in summer window.
Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid two clubs showing strong interest and leading the race to sign him
Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid two clubs showing strong interest and leading the race to sign him
February 2, 2026 at 9:30 PM
🇺🇸 Sources: Real Salt Lake and USYNT attacker Zavier Gozo (18) one to watch in summer window.
Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid two clubs showing strong interest and leading the race to sign him
Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid two clubs showing strong interest and leading the race to sign him
Reposted by Tom Bogert
Obed to Atletico now official.
“I want to say thank you to all my teammates, all the technical, medical and equipment staff and everyone that helped me throughout this journey, that made my time in Seattle amazing. You took in a 14-year-old boy and helped him grow,” Vargas says in a press release.
“I want to say thank you to all my teammates, all the technical, medical and equipment staff and everyone that helped me throughout this journey, that made my time in Seattle amazing. You took in a 14-year-old boy and helped him grow,” Vargas says in a press release.
Sources: Atlético Madrid in talks with Seattle Sounders about Alaska native and Mexico international midfielder Obed Vargas.
Reporting with @tombogert.bsky.social and Guillermo Rai:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Reporting with @tombogert.bsky.social and Guillermo Rai:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Atlético Madrid in talks with Seattle Sounders for Obed Vargas: Sources
Vargas talked about how he had grown up a fan of Atlético before a Sounders matchup against the club in the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup.
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Obed to Atletico now official.
“I want to say thank you to all my teammates, all the technical, medical and equipment staff and everyone that helped me throughout this journey, that made my time in Seattle amazing. You took in a 14-year-old boy and helped him grow,” Vargas says in a press release.
“I want to say thank you to all my teammates, all the technical, medical and equipment staff and everyone that helped me throughout this journey, that made my time in Seattle amazing. You took in a 14-year-old boy and helped him grow,” Vargas says in a press release.
Sources: NO agreement yet between Fluminense and LAFC for star winger Denis Bouanga despite rumors.
Fluminense still pushing, but nothing yet.
Fluminense still pushing, but nothing yet.
🇬🇦 Sources: Fluminense bid around $15m for LAFC star Denis Bouanga.
Bouanga, 31, is one of MLS's best players. Finalist for MVP last year and three straight years of Best XI.
LAFC rejected a $13m bid from Inter Miami earlier this winter.
Bouanga, 31, is one of MLS's best players. Finalist for MVP last year and three straight years of Best XI.
LAFC rejected a $13m bid from Inter Miami earlier this winter.
February 2, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Sources: NO agreement yet between Fluminense and LAFC for star winger Denis Bouanga despite rumors.
Fluminense still pushing, but nothing yet.
Fluminense still pushing, but nothing yet.
🇺🇸💣 BREAKING: Bayern Munich is in advanced talks to sign highly-rated USYNT winger Nimfasha Berchimas from Charlotte FC, per sources.
Not done but getting close.
Berchimas, 17, can’t be registered in Germany until he turns 18 so very likely summer move. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Not done but getting close.
Berchimas, 17, can’t be registered in Germany until he turns 18 so very likely summer move. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Bayern Munich, Charlotte FC in advanced talks over U.S. youth winger Berchimas: Sources
The 17-year-old winger has been on the radar of a host of top European clubs
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:42 PM
🇺🇸💣 BREAKING: Bayern Munich is in advanced talks to sign highly-rated USYNT winger Nimfasha Berchimas from Charlotte FC, per sources.
Not done but getting close.
Berchimas, 17, can’t be registered in Germany until he turns 18 so very likely summer move. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Not done but getting close.
Berchimas, 17, can’t be registered in Germany until he turns 18 so very likely summer move. www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Reposted by Tom Bogert
(Forgot to post this over here)
1. Kill beat writer network, which provided granular coverage in each market
2. Lay off entire editorial staff that was producing increases in readership before COVID
1. Kill beat writer network, which provided granular coverage in each market
2. Lay off entire editorial staff that was producing increases in readership before COVID
December 14, 2024 at 12:48 AM
(Forgot to post this over here)
1. Kill beat writer network, which provided granular coverage in each market
2. Lay off entire editorial staff that was producing increases in readership before COVID
1. Kill beat writer network, which provided granular coverage in each market
2. Lay off entire editorial staff that was producing increases in readership before COVID
🇲🇽 The New York Red Bulls has signed Mexican winger Jorge Ruvalcaba from Pumas.
Ruvalcaba is a DP now but can be bought down off that charge next year.
Ruvalcaba, 24, had 5g/3a in 15 apps this year.
Ruvalcaba is a DP now but can be bought down off that charge next year.
Ruvalcaba, 24, had 5g/3a in 15 apps this year.
February 2, 2026 at 4:45 PM
🇲🇽 The New York Red Bulls has signed Mexican winger Jorge Ruvalcaba from Pumas.
Ruvalcaba is a DP now but can be bought down off that charge next year.
Ruvalcaba, 24, had 5g/3a in 15 apps this year.
Ruvalcaba is a DP now but can be bought down off that charge next year.
Ruvalcaba, 24, had 5g/3a in 15 apps this year.
🇺🇸 Sources: Philadelphia Union finalizing a deal to sign forward Agustin Anello from Boston River.
Fee around $2m for the 23-year-old
Fee around $2m for the 23-year-old
🇺🇸 Sources: Philadelphia Union in talks to sign forward Agustin Anello from Boston River.
No deal yet but negotiations ongoing.
Anello, 23, born in America before family moved to Europe when he was 10. He has featured for Lommel and Sparta Rotterdam
No deal yet but negotiations ongoing.
Anello, 23, born in America before family moved to Europe when he was 10. He has featured for Lommel and Sparta Rotterdam
February 2, 2026 at 4:27 PM
🇺🇸 Sources: Philadelphia Union finalizing a deal to sign forward Agustin Anello from Boston River.
Fee around $2m for the 23-year-old
Fee around $2m for the 23-year-old
Ricardo Pepi is out another month and a half... while PSV hold a 17 point lead (!!!) in the Eredivisie and are eliminated from the Champions League.
Despite agreement on fee worth around €35m between Fulham and PSV… Ricardo Pepi is indeed off. @rikelfrink.bsky.social 1st.
PSV couldn’t sort a replacement before tonight’s transfer deadline
Pepi remains at PSV. Should be back in mid-March from broken arm
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
PSV couldn’t sort a replacement before tonight’s transfer deadline
Pepi remains at PSV. Should be back in mid-March from broken arm
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
USMNT's Pepi to remain at PSV in January despite Fulham interest
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Ricardo Pepi is out another month and a half... while PSV hold a 17 point lead (!!!) in the Eredivisie and are eliminated from the Champions League.
Despite agreement on fee worth around €35m between Fulham and PSV… Ricardo Pepi is indeed off. @rikelfrink.bsky.social 1st.
PSV couldn’t sort a replacement before tonight’s transfer deadline
Pepi remains at PSV. Should be back in mid-March from broken arm
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
PSV couldn’t sort a replacement before tonight’s transfer deadline
Pepi remains at PSV. Should be back in mid-March from broken arm
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
USMNT's Pepi to remain at PSV in January despite Fulham interest
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Despite agreement on fee worth around €35m between Fulham and PSV… Ricardo Pepi is indeed off. @rikelfrink.bsky.social 1st.
PSV couldn’t sort a replacement before tonight’s transfer deadline
Pepi remains at PSV. Should be back in mid-March from broken arm
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
PSV couldn’t sort a replacement before tonight’s transfer deadline
Pepi remains at PSV. Should be back in mid-March from broken arm
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
🇬🇦 Sources: Fluminense bid around $15m for LAFC star Denis Bouanga.
Bouanga, 31, is one of MLS's best players. Finalist for MVP last year and three straight years of Best XI.
LAFC rejected a $13m bid from Inter Miami earlier this winter.
Bouanga, 31, is one of MLS's best players. Finalist for MVP last year and three straight years of Best XI.
LAFC rejected a $13m bid from Inter Miami earlier this winter.
February 1, 2026 at 8:54 PM
🇬🇦 Sources: Fluminense bid around $15m for LAFC star Denis Bouanga.
Bouanga, 31, is one of MLS's best players. Finalist for MVP last year and three straight years of Best XI.
LAFC rejected a $13m bid from Inter Miami earlier this winter.
Bouanga, 31, is one of MLS's best players. Finalist for MVP last year and three straight years of Best XI.
LAFC rejected a $13m bid from Inter Miami earlier this winter.
🚨🇲🇽 BREAKING: Atletico Madrid in talks to sign Mexico int’l midfielder Obed Vargas (20) from Seattle Sounders, per sources.
Nothing agreed yet but one to watch before Monday night transfer window deadline.
With @paultenorio.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Nothing agreed yet but one to watch before Monday night transfer window deadline.
With @paultenorio.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Atlético Madrid in talks with Seattle Sounders for Obed Vargas: Sources
Vargas talked about how he had grown up a fan of Atlético before a Sounders matchup against the club in the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup.
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 7:21 PM
🚨🇲🇽 BREAKING: Atletico Madrid in talks to sign Mexico int’l midfielder Obed Vargas (20) from Seattle Sounders, per sources.
Nothing agreed yet but one to watch before Monday night transfer window deadline.
With @paultenorio.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Nothing agreed yet but one to watch before Monday night transfer window deadline.
With @paultenorio.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
🇨🇦 Sources: FC Dallas is finalizing a deal to acquire Canadian goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois from CF Montréal.
Deal worth $150k + $200k add ons.
Sirois, 24, made 102 apps for Montréal.
Deal worth $150k + $200k add ons.
Sirois, 24, made 102 apps for Montréal.
February 1, 2026 at 7:04 PM
🇨🇦 Sources: FC Dallas is finalizing a deal to acquire Canadian goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois from CF Montréal.
Deal worth $150k + $200k add ons.
Sirois, 24, made 102 apps for Montréal.
Deal worth $150k + $200k add ons.
Sirois, 24, made 102 apps for Montréal.
🇺🇾 BREAKING: Uruguay int’l wingback Juan Manuel Sanabria is traveling to Real Salt Lake to complete a transfer from Atletico San Luis, per sources.
Deal has been a saga but Sanabria en route to finish deal to RSL 🔒
Fee between $2-3m I believe. Not a DP.
Deal has been a saga but Sanabria en route to finish deal to RSL 🔒
Fee between $2-3m I believe. Not a DP.
February 1, 2026 at 6:43 PM
🇺🇾 BREAKING: Uruguay int’l wingback Juan Manuel Sanabria is traveling to Real Salt Lake to complete a transfer from Atletico San Luis, per sources.
Deal has been a saga but Sanabria en route to finish deal to RSL 🔒
Fee between $2-3m I believe. Not a DP.
Deal has been a saga but Sanabria en route to finish deal to RSL 🔒
Fee between $2-3m I believe. Not a DP.
🇸🇪 Sources: Bristol City finalizing a deal to sign Swedish center back Noah Eile from the New York Red Bull.
Fee in region of $4.5m
Eile, 23, made 59 apps for RBNY. Leaves a big hole in central defense
Fee in region of $4.5m
Eile, 23, made 59 apps for RBNY. Leaves a big hole in central defense
January 31, 2026 at 6:59 PM
🇸🇪 Sources: Bristol City finalizing a deal to sign Swedish center back Noah Eile from the New York Red Bull.
Fee in region of $4.5m
Eile, 23, made 59 apps for RBNY. Leaves a big hole in central defense
Fee in region of $4.5m
Eile, 23, made 59 apps for RBNY. Leaves a big hole in central defense
Sources: Columbus Crew finalizing a deal to acquire forward Jamal Thiare from Atlanta United. @michaelarace1.bsky.social first reported.
Atlanta will receive $200k GAM + $100k add ons.
Thiare, 32, had six goals in around 1,150 mins last year
Atlanta will receive $200k GAM + $100k add ons.
Thiare, 32, had six goals in around 1,150 mins last year
January 31, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Sources: Columbus Crew finalizing a deal to acquire forward Jamal Thiare from Atlanta United. @michaelarace1.bsky.social first reported.
Atlanta will receive $200k GAM + $100k add ons.
Thiare, 32, had six goals in around 1,150 mins last year
Atlanta will receive $200k GAM + $100k add ons.
Thiare, 32, had six goals in around 1,150 mins last year
🟣 Sources: Orlando City finalizing a deal to sign Slovenian CB Dusan Stojinović from Jagiellonia.
The 25-year-old bolsters Orlando’s backline.
Also: No further progress made in talks to sign Iago from Flamengo. TBD
The 25-year-old bolsters Orlando’s backline.
Also: No further progress made in talks to sign Iago from Flamengo. TBD
January 30, 2026 at 1:27 AM
🟣 Sources: Orlando City finalizing a deal to sign Slovenian CB Dusan Stojinović from Jagiellonia.
The 25-year-old bolsters Orlando’s backline.
Also: No further progress made in talks to sign Iago from Flamengo. TBD
The 25-year-old bolsters Orlando’s backline.
Also: No further progress made in talks to sign Iago from Flamengo. TBD