MLS transfer roundup: Primary Transfer Window deadline results
Major League Soccer’s Primary Transfer Window closed on April 24, giving way for several last-minute deals.
Toronto FC made several moves, adding two players to the roster to improve their 2023 campaign after a rough start, while clubs like NYCFC and Inter Miami offloaded figures in exchange for General Allocation Money.
Here are all the last-minute transfers you missed…
Toronto FC acquired forward CJ Sapong from Nashville SC, in exchange for Canadian international center back Lukas MacNaughton and up to $200,000 in General Allocation Money.
The transfer deadline day deal also guaranteed $125k GAM in 2024 and $75k GAM in 2025 based on Sapong’s performance.
“CJ has a long track record of scoring goals in MLS,” Toronto head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley said in a release. “His work rate, mentality, and ability to impose himself on opponents in front of the goal are some of the important qualities we look forward to seeing from him here at TFC.”
Sapong first debuted in Major League Soccer in 2011, and has since managed 88 goals and 35 assists across 350 regular-season games while featuring for Sporting Kansas City, Philadelphia Union, Chicago Fire FC and Nashville.
He will now compete for minutes alongside Adama Diomande and Canadian international Ayo Akinola.
The Columbus Crew acquired Malte Amundsen from NYCFC in a trade.
In exchange, the Crew will send $500,000 in General Allocation Money to NYCFC and $400k in guaranteed GAM, split across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns plus another $100k in performance-based GAM.
„Malte is a young, experienced player who has already proven his potential overseas and in MLS, including quality performances in the playoffs. We are really familiar with his skillset and competitiveness from his time in the Eastern Conference, and we are confident he will be a strong fit within our system,” Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release.
Inter Miami’s Aime Mabika is headed to Toronto FC.
The Canadian team signed the center back in exchange for up to $200,000 in General Allocation Money, with additional $100k in 2024 GAM that’s guaranteed, and another $100k in performance-based GAM. Mabika is now under contract through the 2023 campaign with additional options for 2024 and 2025.
He has failed to feature for Phil Neville so far this season, making the trade a reasonable move for Inter Miami.
Seattle Sounders confirmed a transfer deadline day loan for midfielder Danny Leyva.
He will join the Colorado Rapids for the remainder of the 2023 campaign, and in exchange, Seattle receives Colorado’s third-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and $92,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money. The deal confirms both clubs reserve the right to end the loan during the Secondary Transfer Window (July 5 to August 2).
Leyva will occupy a supplemental slot on the Rapids’ roster.
„We’re pleased to get a deal done that we believe is a mutually beneficial opportunity for both Danny and the club,“ Seattle general manager & chief soccer officer Craig Waibel said in a release. „With the Rapids, Danny will have the chance for more minutes in a system that fits his style, while we ultimately maintain decision-making capability on his future with Sounders FC.“