Just last week, MLS shook up their roster rules by introducing cash trades, allowing clubs to purchase players from each other with real money for the first time ever.
The Portland Timbers’ Evander and FC Cincinnati’s Lucho Acosta, both high-level talents who have expressed a desire to leave their current clubs, have been reported as players who could be sold within the league. Both would likely be among the most expensive acquisitions in league history.
Still, not every cash deal needs to involve eye-watering sums changing hands in exchange for disgruntled stars. Some players may fit better in another system or may have a clearer path to playing time at another club. Young players are also natural candidates for cash trades – with U22 Initiative players, the cash from the trade isn’t factored into their budget charge on the salary cap. Sure, many young players in MLS may have aspirations of a European transfer, but a trade within MLS can put them in a better position to showcase themselves to suitors from abroad.
Until this rule change, it wasn’t uncommon to find very good players who wanted to stay in MLS, but were too valuable to exchange for only a bundle of allocation money. The cash market makes it possible for other MLS clubs to keep those players in the league rather than losing them to, say, South American clubs.
So, with all of that context in mind, let’s look at five MLS players who aren’t DPs, but who would be strong candidates for a cash trade.
Josh Atencio, DM, Seattle Sounders
Why would Seattle sell?
Josh Atencio is too good to be riding the bench, and Seattle know it. He was the breakout player for the Sounders in 2023, earning himself a U22 Initiative contract. In 2024, however, Obed Vargas eclipsed Atencio, showing why he is one of the most highly rated defensive midfield prospects in North America. While Vagas’ future will likely see him depart Seattle for Europe, Atencio has been unable to get on the field in the meantime.
With a stable of defensive midfield options, including Joao Paulo, Cristian Roldan, and Danny Leyva, Atentcio’s spot is one where the Sounders aren’t hurting for depth.
What MLS team should make the trade?
Atencio is capable of starting for most MLS teams, but he’s best fit for a club that prefers pressing over possession. His athletic gifts are through the roof and his direct passing is great for teams who look to get on the counter, but his lack of control on the ball is a large part of why the 22-year-old lost his spot to Vargas.
With that in mind, Atencio would be a great fit for DC United. DC play a high-pressing style under former New York Red Bulls coach Troy Lesesne and their midfield lacks the active defending and ground coverage Atencio can provide.
Dejan Joveljić, ST, LA Galaxy
Why would LA sell?
Short of cap space, the Galaxy have struggled to keep the core of their MLS Cup-winning roster together – Mark Delgado, Gaston Brugman, and Jalen Neal all heading out the door this winter says as much.
