Transfer watch: 5 teams with most to do as MLS preseason begins

Preseason camps have officially begun across MLS, causing one of two reactions among fans.

First: excitement. The ball is starting to fizz across the grass again and we’re seeing clips of new signings wearing their new team’s colors. What could be better? You probably fall into this bucket if you support Austin FC, the San Jose Earthquakes, or the New England Revolution. Those teams have been busy (naturally, so have newcomers San Diego FC).

Second: fear. Uh, preseason has already started and my team doesn’t have all the pieces to their roster-building puzzle. That’s a problem, right? As Matchday 1 openers approach (Feb. 22-23!), time is getting thin for several teams as they look to restock for 2025. Still, with transfer windows nearing a close across Europe, expect plenty more deals to be completed.

With that in mind, and a nod to Orlando City SC, Real Salt Lake and (potentially soon) Minnesota United FC having open Designated Player spots, several teams can make a splash.

It’s been a busy offseason for FC Dallas, mostly with outgoings rather than incomings.

• Jesús Ferreira was traded to Seattle, opening a Designated Player spot. Soon after, Paul Arriola joined him at the Sounders.
• Argentine giants Boca Juniors seem to be closing in on a big-money deal for DP Alan Velasco.
• Reports about European interest in DP striker Petar Musa persist.

Even if Musa stays, the attack needs major work for head coach Eric Quill’s tenure to start on a high note. With Ferreira leaving, there’s already a chance-creation gap in this Dallas squad. Should Velasco move to South America, that need will only grow.

FC Dallas chief soccer officer Andre Zanotta needs to find an elite No. 10 ASAP – especially since Quill’s New Mexico United team utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation in the USL Championship last year.

If FCD can find that attacking midfielder and add a starting center back, they’ll feel much better about their 2025 outlook.

Héctor Herrera and Coco Carrasquilla are both gone, opening two starting spots in Ben Olsen’s box midfield. Sure, Brooklyn Raines is talented and former LAFC homegrown Erik Dueñas was a savvy offseason addition, but Houston…