GOAL takes a look at the ideal transfer targets for the three MLS clubs that may be participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

U.S. Soccer has reportedly authorized the opening of a transfer window from June 1-10 for the MLS teams who will be playing in the 2025 FIFA World Cup – Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, and potentially, LAFC.

The will face Liga MX side Club America in a one-game playoff on May 31 for a berth in the competition, joining Group D with the likes of Flamengo, Chelsea and Esperance de Tunis.

With the USSF sanctioning this window, it aligns with the FIFA decision to open a breif window in Europe during the same time period, that will allow teams to bolster their rosters ahead of the tournament. Liverpool defender Trent Alexander Arnold is the perfect example, as the England international is reportedly expected to join Real Madrid during this time period to join as a free agent ahead of the competition.

For the three MLS teams in question, it now presents them with opportunity.

Miami manager Javier Mascherano has already said he has his sights set on bringing in two players, both of whom are rumored to be attacking reinforcements. It's a a window that will allow each team to make one final push to bolster their roster, but with limitations through MLS roster building, what's realistically possible – and what's needed?
GOAL takes a look at some of the best options available.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAFPAlexandre Lacazette

Out of contract with Olympique Lyon, the former Arsenal star is still just 33, and would be the perfect target for an LAFC team in desperate need of a striker.

One issue, though: he would require a Designated Player contract, and LAFC do not have an open spot.

There's a solution, though. They currently have Turkish winger Cengiz Under occupying a slot on loan from Fenerbahce, but his deal expires June 30, and his time in MLS so far has been rather lackluster. If the Western Conference side were to terminate the loan deal early, it would open a slot ahead of the tournament and allow them to engage in negotiations with a striker of Lacazette's caliber. They could do so knowing that the DP contract of Olivier Giroud runs out at the end of the season, too, with the former Chelsea and Arsenal ace likely to not see his deal renewed after a rather poor start to his MLS career.

Lacazette is coming off a season where he helped Lyon to the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals, and a standout Ligue 1 campaign where he bagged 15 goals as Lyon finished sixth in the league standings.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPaul Pogba

Pogba has been linked with a move to MLS for months now. The France international recently bought a house in Miami and has been training there as he looks to make his return to the professional game following an 18-month doping suspension. D.C. United reportedly own his MLS rights, but all Miami would need to do to offer him a contract would be to acquire them for a fee from their Eastern Conference opponent.

Similar to Lacazette, though, it's expected that he would require a DP spot – and Miami does not have one open. There is a loophole, though, and it's the one that the LA Galaxy used to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The would have to sign Pogba on a max TAM deal at a $1.5M salary for six months, before restructuring his deal in the offseason by opening a DP slot and offering him a higher salary once he renews his deal. It just comes down to the Frenchman agreeing to a deal of that nature.

It's a move that makes sense for both parties. Pogba wants to play regular first-team soccer and play at a high level, and by joining the South Beach club, he'd feature in the Club World Cup and play alongside three world-class footballers in Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, as well as Luis Suarez.

Perhaps he would offer the a bit of midfield stability, too. The South Beach club is winless in six of their last seven across all competitions, and have conceded three goals in two-straight MLS matches. In both matches, they were outpossessed by their opponent and struggled with transitions into the final-third – an area where Pogba previously excelled in his career.

Getty Images SportMarco Verratti

Verratti, another player who is a free agent after his contract in Qatar with Al-Arabi expired at the end of the 2024-25 season, is a player who would bolster all three sides in this summer's tournament. However, it would not be a feasible move for Seattle given its roster construction and unlikely for Miami unless Verratti would be open to a max TAM deal, meaning this is a move where all eyes are on LAFC.

Just like Lacazette, they'd have to open a DP slot by terminating their loan deal with Unger or, potentially, with Giroud in a surprise move. However, with the current form of both players, it would come as no surprise to anyone if that happens.

Verratti, a playmaker who primarily crafted his trade in Ligue 1 with PSG throughout his career, is still just 32 and, at his best, was one of the best midfielders in the world. What he lacks in size at 5-foot-5, he makes up for with skillful playmaking in a deep-lying role. A proper "destroyer" in the midfield, he is a physical presence who, throughout his career, brought a certain calmness to the center of the pitch.

For LAFC, he would be an instant upgrade in an area where they've fallen short in 2025. It is a club that has struggled with possession all season, though their tides have shifted more positively in recent weeks.

Verratti would be the second former Italy international to play for the club, following in the footsteps of legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Getty Images SportCesar Azpilicueta

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the legendary Chelsea defender will not see his contract picked up by Atletico Madrid this offseason, meaning he will become a free agent after the final La Liga match of the 2025 campaign this weekend. Romano added that he will not return to the Premier League, but could either stay in Europe or go abroad.

For Inter Miami, this is a no-brainer move.

As it stands, their biggest hole is in the defense, and primarily, the right side of it. Marcelo Weigandt is the biggest liability in the squad, and Ian Fray has shown he's not a suitable right back, either. Azpilicueta, even at 35, has shown he can play right fullback and right centerback in La Liga with a top-3 club competitively. He featured in European and domestic competition, and has a decorated resume both for club and country.

He also wouldn't require a DP spot. He's a player you could sign on a max TAM deal; all Inter Miami need in addition to that is an international slot.

David Beckham has to at least make the call. It makes far too much sense.