MLS preseason roundup: offseason winners, coaching changes and Josh Sargent to Toronto FC?

Goal's U.S. writers have debated the MLS offseason as preseason approaches, weighing the league’s biggest winners, notable coaching hires and whether USMNT forward Josh Sargent should join Toronto FC.

Preseason starts next week for most teams, and the discussion highlights Inter Miami’s market dominance a month after lifting MLS Cup and the intriguing appointment of Michael Bradley at the Red Bulls. Columbus Crew, St. Louis CITY and Sporting KC have made notable moves, while Minnesota United still need a head coach after losing their boss to West Brom. Writers named Miami/Inter Miami among the top offseason performers, flagged moves such as Cade Cowell’s loan to New York Red Bulls and Cristian Espinoza to Nashville as significant arrivals, and pointed to Osman Bukari’s sale to Poland and Bartosz Slisz’s departure from Atlanta as key exits. Opinions diverged on hires: Bradley and Marc Dos Santos earned praise, while Yoann Damet’s St. Louis CITY appointment drew questions.

What happens next is unsettled: the January transfer window is still open and teams could yet make moves, with Toronto repeatedly linked to Sargent amid a roster refresh after the Insigne era. Writers remain split on whether a move to Toronto would boost Sargent’s World Cup prospects, with one arguing MLS would offer a fresh start and another saying it may not move him up the USMNT depth chart.

Key Topics

Sports, Josh Sargent, Toronto Fc, Inter Miami, Michael Bradley, Mls