Analyzing three of the most intriguing MLS incoming transfers: Marcel Hartel, Olivier Giroud & more

Who doesn’t like a big-time transfer?

With the summer transfer window closed in MLS but the regular season not yet back until this weekend, I’m diving into a trio of my favorite incoming signings. Each of the players down below pops out when you dive into the data – and should be a difference-maker for their new club.

Onwards.

Ranking every MLS team’s 2024 summer transfer window from worst-to-first

Come yell at me in the comments. Or yell at your team’s front office in the comments. Whatever works for you.

BackheeledJoseph Lowery

Marcel Hartel, St. Louis City

So, uh, this season could be going better for St. Louis City. 

The manager who started the year on the sidelines, Bradley Carnell, is out of a job and the club sits 10 points below the last play-in spot in the West. Sure, they overachieved in 2023 (as noted by their poor xG differential), but there’s no way to sugarcoat it: this season has been a disappointment after topping their conference the year prior.

In response to their struggles, St. Louis had a busy summer window that included the signing of one Marcel Hartel, formerly of St. Pauli in the 2. Bundesliga. 

The 28-year-old played 33 matches last season for St. Pauli as they earned promotion to Germany’s top flight, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12. The season prior, he played in all 34 matches and had five goals and seven assists. We got a glimpse of Hartel in Leagues Cup, where he put his name on the scoresheet and largely played in the left halfspace. But to really dig into Hartel’s fit with St. Louis, let’s take a look back. 

Here’s a breakdown of his basic offensive metrics from his time at St. Pauli from the last few seasons. 

For an MLS team to sign a player who led their team to promotion to the German top-flight? Yeah, that’s pretty darn good.