Another 48 hours of MLS transfer news is behind us, and the stories continue to ramp up in quantity and quality.
Here is what has been said in the papers in the last few days.
Coco Carrasquilla linked with Pumas move
ðļ Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Dynamo star has been the metronome alongside HÃĐctor Herrera in the Houston midfield for the past two seasons, and he is perhaps underrated in terms of the top midfielders in the Americas.
Liga MX side Pumas are reportedly closing in on signing the Panamanian, according to multiple inside sources.
The Liga MX Clausura season is set to start this weekend.
Javier Mascherano plays down links between Neymar and Inter Miami
ðļ Francois Nel – 2024 Getty Images
Much has been made in recent weeks regarding a potential reunion for Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Luis SuÃĄrez at Inter Miami, but new Herons boss Javier Mascherano has played down the rumors.
“We cannot talk about Neymar because we have nothing,” he said at MLS Media Day.
“Obviously, Ney is a great player. Every coach in the world wants him, but at the moment, you know the MLS rules about the salary cap. For us, in this moment, it’s impossible.”
LAFC linked with two midfield signings
ðļ ERWIN SCHERIAU – AFP or licensors
LAFC have been linked with the signing of Ukrainian midfielder Vladyslav Kochergin, and Estrela Amadora midfielder Igor Jesus.
The former is currently playing at Polish side RakÃģw CzÄstochowa, where he has made 117 appearances, scoring 24 goals and bagging 10 assists in that time.
Meanwhile, Jesus, 21, only joined Estrela Amadora this past summer from Brazilian giants Flamengo, but LAFC are said to be keen on bringing him to SoCal.
Columbus Crew announce signing of Lassi Lappalainen
ðļ Michael Reaves – 2021 Getty Images
The Columbus Crew have announced the signing of free agent Lassi Lappalainen, who most recently played for CF MontrÃĐal.
The midfielder amassed 15 goals and 15 assists in six seasons north of the border with MontrÃĐal.
Toronto FC ”finalizing deal’ to sign Granada winger Theo Corbeanu
ðļ Martin Rose – 2023 Getty Images
Toronto FC are said to be ‘finalizing a deal’ to sign in Granada winger Theo Corbeanu on loan with an option to buy, according to Tom Bogert.
Corbeanu has scored just one goal in 22 appearances with the Spanish club since signing with them in 2024.
Portland Timbers close in on Ecuadorian midfielder Joao Ortiz
ðļ KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI – AFP or licensors
According to Tom Bogert, the Portland Timbers are closing in on the signing of Ecuadorian midfielder Joao Ortiz from Independiente del Valle.
The Cascadia club will reportedly shell out $1.5 million in allocation money to add the 28-year-old to their midfield ranks as legendary skipper Diego Chara begins to wind down his career at Providence Park.
ðļ Yasser Bakhsh – 2024 Getty Images
