Prospects for U.S. Soccer Players in the Transfer Market

Just five months into Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, the Argentine manager sparked intrigue by summoning Matko Miljevic to the USMNT’s January camp. The reaction ranged from confusion to curiosity, as knowledge of the midfielder was limited among U.S. fans following a subdued period at CF Montréal.

Miljevic’s debut camp was emblematic of this uncertainty. The then-23-year-old missed a penalty in a dramatic fashion but ultimately redeemed himself by scoring a remarkable goal, marking his first international strike.

However, since that promising start, he has been conspicuously absent from the national team setup, having failed to secure another call-up while shifting between Argentine clubs Newell’s Old Boys and Huracán.

That narrative may change in 2026. According to Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo, Inter Miami has expressed interest in acquiring Miljevic, although no formal offer has yet been made. A transition to MLS could be pivotal, given the increasing trend of U.S. internationals revitalizing their careers domestically and subsequently re-entering Pochettino’s considerations.

Nevertheless, any potential deal is unlikely to be straightforward. Inter Miami faces competition from Racing, who recently had an $2.8 million bid for 80 percent of Miljevic’s rights rejected by Huracán. This valuation might prove a barrier for Miami, as the club is expected to prioritize resources for higher-profile targets.

Miljevic’s strong ties to Argentina could benefit him, as the reigning MLS champions continue to recruit talent from the country in their quest for success.

In another development, Christian Pulisic has a mere 12 months left on his contract with AC Milan, allowing him to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with another club starting next January, potentially leaving the Rossoneri on a free transfer. Milan is acutely aware of the urgency of the situation, striving to avoid losing one of their most pivotal players without compensation.

Reports from Calciomercato indicate that negotiations for a new deal are expected this spring, with the club prepared to offer approximately $7 million per year—a figure that would place him on par with their top earner, Rafael Leão.

Whether this offer will suffice to secure Pulisic’s long-term future at the club remains uncertain, especially as Manchester United is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.

Fulham has already made a statement with a bold $35 million bid for PSV striker Ricardo Pepi. Although this initial offer was rejected, the Premier League side is anticipated to return with an enhanced proposal, according to The Athletic.

Interest in Pepi’s signature is intensifying, with West Ham also entering discussions to potentially form a two-man strike force. Concurrently, the club is linked with a $36 million move for former NYCFC and Lazio forward Valentín Castellanos, with Pepi seen as a complementary asset rather than a substitute.

The interest isn’t confined to London. TeamTalk reports that Everton is also keeping tabs on Pepi, highlighting the robust demand for the 22-year-old striker across the Premier League.

Typically, January marks the departure of emerging MLS stars to Europe, as the winter transfer window offers a clean break before a new season begins. This year, however, the situation may differ, particularly for the league’s top North American players.

“As you approach six months before a World Cup, for American, Canadian, and Mexican players, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a World Cup roster and play on home soil. That’s of paramount importance,” remarked top American soccer agent Richard Motzkin to ESPN.

“You will want to present yourself with the best chances to secure a roster spot, period.”

For players like Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, and Diego Luna, maximizing their chances appears to hinge on stability— a sentiment echoed by Freeman himself.

“My focus in January and February is to go to Orlando and perform at my best,” Freeman stated to ESPN. “I believe that’s my goal, and being a system player allows me to maintain consistency without having to alter my style. That’s ideal for my circumstances.”

While transfers cannot be entirely dismissed due to financial considerations from both players and clubs, this winter window may ultimately be quieter for Americans, Canadians, and Mexicans within MLS.