All articles tagged with #designated player
Seattle Sounders introduced Dejan Joveljic as their new Designated Player, highlighting his affable, self-assured demeanor and fit with the club’s winning culture. He frames his game as simple and goal‑oriented, values family and soccer, and pledged to contribute with goals using all his strengths, even joking about avenging a goal he scored against Seattle in 2024.
Robert Lewandowski has signed with Chicago Fire FC through the 2027-28 MLS season, taking up a Designated Player and international roster slot after leaving Barcelona. The Polish legend, who has scored 629 goals in 869 games across Dortmund, Bayern and Barca and collected 32 trophies, boosts Chicago’s playoff hopes as they sit third in the Eastern Conference at the World Cup break; the Fire return July 16 vs Vancouver Whitecaps and are set to move into a new stadium in 2028.
Poland’s all-time leading scorer Robert Lewandowski has joined Chicago Fire FC as a Designated Player from FC Barcelona, bringing a 700+ goal career and a storied résumé. His contract runs through the 2027-28 MLS season, strengthening the Fire’s championship ambitions as they sit third in the Eastern Conference and continue toward their new home, McDonald’s Park, opening in 2028.
The MLS Players Association released 2026 salary data showing Lionel Messi earning $28.3 million in guaranteed compensation, far higher than any other MLS player and nearly the entire league payroll; the numbers highlight how much clubs rely on Designated Players (DPs) to chase big salaries, with cap room managed via General Allocation Money. Salaries exclude transfer fees and other non-wage costs, so totals don’t reflect transfers like Philadelphia Union’s $4.5 million signing Ezekiel Alladoh. Philadelphia is the lowest-spending club by salary, while the top earners include Son Heung-min, Rodrigo De Paul, Chucky Lozano, Miguel Almirón, Emil Forsberg, Sam Surridge, Riqui Puig, Jonathan Bamba and Hany Mukhtar. The data provides transparency but isn’t the full financial picture of MLS teams.
Orlando City announced the blockbuster signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, with the French World Cup winner set to join in July as a Designated Player through 2027-28 (option for 2028-29). The move cements Orlando’s ambitions with a high-profile DP trio and follows astoried career that includes World Cup glory in 2018, stints with Barcelona and Real Sociedad, and a prolific goal-scoring record. Griezmann thanked the club and will join after the 2025-26 season, joining Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda as part of Orlando’s DP lineup.
French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann will join Orlando City SC this summer from Atlético Madrid as a Designated Player in Major League Soccer.
Mexican winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has been signed as the first Designated Player for MLS expansion team San Diego FC. Currently with PSV Eindhoven, Lozano will join San Diego FC in January 2025 on a four-year contract with a salary between $7 to $9 million. This high-profile signing marks a significant step for the club as it prepares for its debut MLS season in 2025.
The Portland Timbers have signed Uruguayan forward Jonathan Rodríguez from Club América in a full transfer, with the player under contract through 2026 and a club option for 2027. Rodríguez, who will occupy a Designated Player spot and an international spot on the roster pending completion of administrative requirements, brings a wealth of experience from his time in Mexico's LIGA MX and with Uruguay's national team.
Seattle Sounders FC have signed Argentine forward Pedro de la Vega as their newest Designated Player, adding an electric attacking player with a proven track record in South America to their roster. The 22-year-old brings versatility and a knack for goal-scoring, joining an already potent attacking corps that includes Jordan Morris, Raúl Ruidíaz, Albert Rusnák, and Cristian Roldan. With his technical ability and potential for growth, de la Vega is expected to inject new vibrancy into the Sounders' attack as the club enters its 50th Anniversary season in 2024.
The Seattle Sounders have decided to exercise the option on Albert Rusnák's contract, maintaining his status as a Designated Player. Rusnák performed well when deployed as a No. 10, scoring five goals in 15 games and helping the team achieve a 7-4-4 record. While this move may not be the most ambitious, it leaves open the possibility of extending Rusnák's contract to guarantee him more money while reducing his annual salary below the threshold for a TAM-able DP.
The Columbus Crew have acquired forward Diego Rossi from Fenerbahçe S.K. for an undisclosed transfer fee. Rossi, the youngest player in MLS history to win the Golden Boot, joins the Crew as a Designated Player after spending time in Europe. He will be added to the roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. Rossi's contract runs through the 2026 season with a Club option for 2027.
Inter Miami CF has signed legendary Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets to a contract running through the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Busquets, considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time, will occupy a Designated Player slot and is expected to join the team soon. The World Cup champion and former FC Barcelona captain brings a wealth of experience and success to Inter Miami, and the club is excited to have him represent their franchise.
Real Salt Lake has signed Colombian striker Cristian 'Chicho' Arango from Liga MX side C.F. Pachuca on a three-year deal, with an option to extend for the 2026 MLS season. Arango will be added to Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni’s 2023 RSL roster as a Designated Player pending receipt of P-1 work visa and International Transfer Certificate. Arango established himself as one of the league's most prolific strikers and most dominating players during his MLS career before joining Liga MX side Pachuca in January.