Welcome to Backheeled's MLS offseason transfer tracker! This list will update as the offseason continues, with grades for each and every notable incoming move.
2/13/24: Charlotte FC sign defensive midfielder Djibril Diani
Deal type: Signing
Grade: B
Explanation: The 26-year-old French midfielder, who arrives from Ligue 2, will be an option for Dean Smith at the base of midfield or as a left-sided center back. Diani’s size and range set him apart.
2/13/24: Nashville SC sign center back Brent Kallman
Deal type: Signing
Grade: C-
Explanation: Kallman will be a center back option deep down on Gary Smith’s depth chart. Don’t expect him to play a big role in 2024.
2/12/24: Real Salt Lake sign midfielder Matt Crooks from Middlesbrough
Deal type: Signing
Grade: A
Explanation: Crooks, 30, should slide into an attacking midfield role for Real Salt Lake in 2024. With Damir Kreilach and Jefferson Savarino both gone, the English lower-league veteran should help add some goals back into the team. In his 1,500 Championship minutes with Middlesbrough this year, Crooks finished in the 86th percentile in non-penalty expected goals plus expected assisted goals per 90 minutes among his positional peers. This move has promise.
2/8/24: LAFC sign Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras
Deal type: Loan
Grade: A
Explanation: Atuesta is back, folks. The Colombian was excellent at the base of LAFC’s midfield before moving to Palmeiras in Brazil’s top-flight. The 26-year-old struggled for minutes with Palmeiras, but thrived as a single-pivot and ball progresser under Bob Bradley. He’ll ease the minutes burden on Ilie Sanchez and could see some time as a No. 8, too.
