When does the 2026 primary MLS transfer window close?

Tom Weber

• 9 Feb 2026 17:01 CST
• 5 min read

News

The 2026 primary Major League Soccer transfer window is in full swing, with clubs around the league investing heavily in their squads.

The upcoming MLS season will be the final in the league's current format. In late 2025, MLS's Board of Governors voted to implement a "European" calendar from 2027, switching from a spring-fall to a fall-spring configuration.

As a result, the transfer window has already undergone significant changes, and more are expected to follow next year. Ahead of the current window, MLS announced several rule modifications.

There is no longer an age limit on intra-league loans, while the restriction on the number of cash transfers has also been lifted. The most notable change, however, is that the primary transfer window has been shortened and the secondary window extended.

On the agenda for years, MLS was finally able to make this amendment after receiving special dispensation from FIFA to register its three Canadian teams with US Soccer, which meant that changing the length of transfer windows no longer required the approval of Canada Soccer.

Previously, MLS essentially wasted a month of the permitted transfer timeframe by keeping the primary window open until April, when signing players from most leagues is virtually impossible.

When did the 2026 primary MLS transfer window open?

The 2026 primary MLS transfer window opened on 26 January.

When does the 2026 primary MLS transfer window close?

The 2026 primary MLS transfer window closes on 26 March.

When does the 2026 secondary MLS transfer window open?

The 2026 secondary MLS transfer window opens on 13 July.

When does the 2026 secondary MLS transfer window close?

The 2026 secondary MLS transfer window closes on 2 September.

What major MLS transfers have already happened in 2026?

The 2026 MLS season officially kicks off on 21 February when St. Louis SC take on Charlotte FC, and clubs have spent lavishly so far in the offseason, helped also by the relaxation of intra-league cash transfer rules.

Unsurprisingly, reigning MLS champions Inter Miami have completed the most expensive and high-profile signings. Rodrigo de Paul has had his loan from Atletico Madrid made permanent for €15 million.

Despite signing Luis Suarez to a contract extension, the Heron have also added a big-money striker in Mexico international German Bertermane, who has joined for €12.6m from Monterrey.

Tadeo Allende, who set the record for most single-season playoff goals in 2025, has had his loan from Celta Vigo made permanent for €5m. Reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair and former Man Utd full-back Sergio Reguilon have joined on free transfers.

Sizeable cash bids for LAFC superstar Denis Bouanga and Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon of the Vancouver Whitecaps were rejected.

Austin FC have made the third-biggest signing of the offseason by bringing former Orlando City star Facundo Torres back to MLS. He arrives in an €8m deal from Palmeiras.

DC United have revamped their attack with two big-name signings in Louis Munteanu (€6m) from Cluj and Philadelphia Union sharpshooter Tai Baribo (€3.4m).

Mateusz Bogusz has also returned to MLS, joining the Houston Dynamo for €5.5m after struggling at Cruz Azul following his move from LAFC.

The New York Red Bulls have brought dual nationals Jorge Ruvalcaba and Cade Cowell back to the US from Mexico, with the former joining for €5.5m from Pumas and the latter arriving on an initial loan from Chivas.

Minnesota United have pulled off a massive coup by signing Colombia legend James Rodriguez on a free transfer. He joins on a short-term deal until the summer, but with the option to extend it by six months.

There have also been major outgoings. Obed Vargas has completed a hugely significant transfer from the Seattle Sounders to Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish giants paying €3m despite his expiring contract.

Villarreal, who previously signed Tani Oluwaseyi from Minnesota United, raided MLS again and snapped up Orlando and USMNT star Alex Freeman on a €3.5m deal.

Despite struggling to make an impact at Austin, Osman Bukari is the biggest sale of the offseason so far, joining Polish side Widzew Lodz for €5.5m.

Elsewhere, Alvaro Barreal has left FC Cincinnati to play alongside Neymar at Santos, Chicho Arango returned to Colombia with Atletico Nacional on loan despite signing a contract extension with the San Jose Earthquakes and Brian Gutierrez joined Chivas from Chicago for €4.25m.

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