With the 2022 MLS regular season now in the books, clubs have started planning for next year and beyond by updating their squads.
Here’s a club-by-club snapshot featuring all roster decisions following the 2022 campaign. Players who are staying, those who are going and others who have received new contract offers from their club are included.
OCT. 27 – The New York Red Bulls face a few key decisions to make at the beginning of the offseason, before getting into potential additions.
With Aaron Long out of contract and testing free agency, they may lose their captain and former MLS Defender of the Year. A few others saw their loans expire and may not return.
Caden Clark will return to Germany’s RB Leipzig, though is set to go out on loan to a different European club. He won’t be back with the Red Bulls. Kyle Duncan‘s loan from Belgium’s Oostende expired too, though there are talks about a potential return in 2023.
The loan for Brazilian forward Elias Manoel expired as well, but the club is already in discussions with Gremio about a permanent deal for the 20-year-old, although the club tweeted a “thank you” graphic to announce his departure. That doesn’t mean he definitively won’t be back, but the Red Bulls didn’t pick up the purchase option as part of the loan as they hope to lower the price. Manoel quickly won the starting center forward job and impressed in limited minutes after joining in August.
“Let’s see if we come to an agreement with Grêmio, we still have time to find an agreement with them,” head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a media availability. “I can’t predict at the moment if we will find a solution or not, so we just have to wait and be a little bit patient.”
On Duncan’s future, Schneider added “we have not made a decision yet if we will try to bring him back to Red Bull Arena.”
The Red Bulls picked up options on nine players, including starting midfielder Cristian Casseres Jr. It’s likely more transfer offers arrive for Casseres this winter after the club rejected a few bids this summer. Bids are expected to arrive for starting left back John Tolkin as well, but Schneider said “we don’t plan” for major sales.
RBNY’s roster stands at 24 players as they get stuck into offseason dealings.
Option declined (Oct. 27, 2022)
- Jesús Castellano (MID)
- Zach Ryan (FWD)
- Omar Sowe (FWD)
Out of contract (Oct. 27, 2022)
Loan expired (Oct. 27, 2022)
- Caden Clark (MID)
- Kyle Duncan (DEF)
- Elias Manoel (FWD)
OCT. 26 – Real Salt Lake have 26 players under contract for 2023 after announcing their end-of-season roster update. There might be a few more from last year’s team back as well.
Former USMNT forward Bobby Wood saw his contract option declined. He had only 5g/2a in 31 appearances over two seasons with RSL. Center back Marcelo Silva is out of contract, and Sergio Cordova‘s loan expired, but the club is in talks about both returning.
Cordova, who was on loan from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, is expected to be back on a permanent deal, sources say, but nothing is done yet. Depending on the transfer fee, there may be some flexibility in terms of whether or not he occupies a DP slot, if it gets done.
RSL have a ton of flexibility at the top of their roster, with only Jefferson Savarino definitely taking up a DP spot in 2023. Damir Kreilach – who is expected to be back to 100% fitness by preseason after missing most of 2022 (lower back surgery) – can be bought down. They can use up to three U22 Initiative slots, pending designations as well.
Big offseason for RSL, who made the playoffs once again in 2022.
Option declined (Oct. 26, 2022)
- Nick Besler (MID)
- Chris Garcia (FWD)
- Bret Halsey (MID)
- Johan Kappelhof (DEF)
- Tate Schmitt (DEF)
- Bobby Wood (FWD)
In discussions about possible return (Oct. 26, 2022)
- Sergio Cordova (FWD)
- Tomas Gomez (GK)
- Marcelo Silva (DEF)
OCT. 26 – Evolving into a new era with an active head coach search, the Columbus Crew announced their end-of-season roster decisions. Some familiar faces might not be coming back.
Columbus declined the contract option on longtime winger-turned-fullback Pedro Santos, while winger Derrick Etienne Jr. is out of contract. Etienne is eligible for free agency and is likely to draw plenty of interest from other clubs.
The Crew noted they remain in discussions with some players about potential returns, though didn’t specify which ones.
Columbus picked up options for key players like Darlington Nagbe, Jonathan Mensah, Steven Moreira and Artur – while stars Lucas Zelarayan and Cucho Hernandez were under contract – keeping the core intact heading into 2023.
“We have a talented group of players on this roster who can contribute as we build towards a successful 2023 season,” Crew president & general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a club statement. “As we continue the search for our next head coach, we believe we have a solid core and a good blend of players for the incoming coaching staff to work with, from the veteran leaders who have experience winning championships, and talented young players who have shown this season that they can make a difference on the field.”
Longtime MLSer Perry Kitchen announced his retirement from the game as well. U22 Initiative winger Alexandru Matan is on loan at Romania’s Rapid Bucuresti, who have a purchase option as part of the deal. His future will be decided later this winter.
Option declined (Oct. 26, 2022)
- Jalil Anibaba (DEF)
- Peter Santos (DEF)
Eric Hurtado (FWD) James Igbekeme (MID)
Out of contract (Oct. 26, 2022)
- Derrick Etienne Jr. (MID)
- Marlon Hairston (DEF)
Retiring (Oct. 26, 2022)
OCT. 25 – Starting the offseason much earlier than usual, the Seattle Sounders announced their roster update after missing the playoffs for the first time in club history (after a league-record 13 straight trips). The reigning Concacaf Champions League winners still have a strong core intact, but have a little flexibility for roster evolution this winter, with 23 players under contract for next year.
To headline departures, the Sounders declined the option for veteran forward Will Bruin and Jimmy Medranda is out of contract. They picked up contract options on homegrown midfielders Josh Atencio and Danny Leyva, as well as star winger Jordan Morris.
Morris is entering the final year of his contract in 2023, ditto for standout midfielder Cristian Roldan. There are no options for either USMNT player past 2023. That’s something to watch this winter and beyond.
All-time club leading scorer Fredy Montero is out of contract, but the Sounders are in talks about a potential return as well.
“2022 will be remembered as the year Sounders FC cemented itself in the history books by winning the 2022 Concacaf Champions League title,” general manager & president of soccer Garth Lagerwey said in a club statement. “That does not take away the disappointment of missing the postseason for the first time in club history, and we are already amidst preparations to bounce back in 2023.”
Option declined (Oct. 25, 2022)
- Will Bruin (FWD)
- Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (FWD)
Out of contract (Oct. 25, 2022)
In discussions about possible return (Oct. 25, 2022)
To be determined (Oct. 25, 2022)
OCT. 18 – The most significant contract decision facing the Whitecaps this offseason revolves around DP center forward Lucas Cavallini. No decision has yet been made as Vancouver announced their first roster update of the offseason.
The Whitecaps have a club option on Cavallini, their club-record signing, for 2023. If the club declines it and moves on, they would free up a valuable DP spot. Vancouver announced there are continuing discussions on that matter. Perhaps there could be a new deal agreed upon, which would open the DP spot as well.
Cavallini had 9g/2a in 1,519 minutes this year, all of which were his best marks in three years with the club.
Vancouver left open the potential for a solid amount of roster flexibility. The club declined options for four players, while another seven players in addition to Cavallini are in talks about potentially returning, but nothing has been decided yet.
The Whitecaps picked up options for Julian Gressel, Sebastian Berhalter and more, while also re-signing Luis Martins to a new contract. At the current count, the Whitecaps have 22 players under contract for 2023.
Options declined (Oct. 18, 2022)
- Janio Bikel (MID)
- David Egbo (FWD)
- Evan Newton (GK)
Out of contract (Oct. 18, 2022)
Opti on decisions to be determined (Oct. 18, 2022)
- Lucas Cavallini (FWD)
- Derek Cornelius (DEF)
- Cody Cropper (GK)
- Marcus Godinho (DEF)
- Jake Nerwinski (DEF)
- Leonard Owusu (MID)
- Tosaint Ricketts (FWD)
Out of contract, but in talks about a potential return (Oct. 18, 2022)
OCT. 17 – After an encouraging expansion season, Charlotte have officially kicked off their offseason calendar for year two with their roster update. There weren’t many surprises or huge decisions.
Contract options for McKinze Gaines, Derrick Jones, George Marks and Daniel Rios were all picked up, while veteran defenders Harrison Afful and Christian Fuchs had options declined. Charlotte remain in talks about potential returns on new deals for each player, though.
The loan for Ecuadorian midfielder Alan Franco has expired and he will return to Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro.
Charlotte can still open a DP spot this winter by buying down the budget charge of Jordy Alcivar, and they have a U22 Initiative slot available as well. Interim head coach Christian Lattanzio is all but certain to be named the full-time head coach.
Options declined, but in talks about potential return (Oct. 17, 2022)
- Harrison Afful (DEF)
- Christian Fuchs (DEF)
Option decisions to be determined (Oct. 17, 2022)
- Quinn McNeill (MID)
- Koa Santos (DEF)
Loan expired (Oct. 17, 2022)
OCT. 17 – After two years on loan in Portland, defender Josecarlos Van Rankin will return to Liga MX’s Chivas. The veteran right back made 57 regular-season appearances in MLS.
It was a low-key announcement for the Timbers, with Van Rankin the most-utilized player that came up in contract options. Portland picked up the contract options on Diego Gutierrez, Zac McGraw and Justin Rasmussen, while declining options for Blake Bodily, George Fochive and Justin Vom Steeg.
The Timbers are at a crossroads this offseason, on and off the field. The roster update is just the first of what should be a busy winter, with an open DP spot, questions about Eryk Williamson‘s future and much more.
Portland missed the playoffs for the first time under head coach Gio Savarese. The club had been to two MLS Cup finals in the last four years, losing both times.
Options declined (Oct. 17, 2022)
- Blake Bodily (MID)
- George Fochive (MID)
- Justin Vom Steeg (GK)
Purchase option declined (Oct. 17, 2022)
- Josecarlos Van Rankin (DEF)
In talks about potential return (Oct. 17, 2022)
OCT. 14 – Toronto FC have 21 players who are contractually guaranteed for the 2023 season, a pivotal second year under head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley.
As they continue a complete rebuild, Toronto created plenty more room for additions. They declined the option on defender Chris Mavinga, all while Jonathan Osorio, Alex Bono, Quentin Westberg and more are out of contract. The Reds noted Mavinga and Osorio are in talks for new deals to potentially return.
Nashville SC are expected to exercise a permanent transfer for 2023 on winger Jacob Shaffelburg (currently away on loan). Versatile fullback Auro Jr. is on loan with Brazilian side Santos, and Toronto have until the MLS deadline of November 14 to exercise or decline his 2023 contract option. TFC also may make Richie Laryea‘s return a permanent move, as he’s currently only on loan from Nottingham Forest through June 2023.
Toronto have a DP spot open alongside Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. Bradley noted there’ll be additions at goalkeeper, defense and perhaps center forward. With a core starting with those DPs, Michael Bradley, Mark-Anthony Kaye and Domenico Criscito, plus a bit more roster flexibility, Toronto are in a good spot heading toward 2023.
Options declined (Oct. 14, 2022)
- Ifunanyachi Achara (FWD)
- Chris Mavinga (DEF)
Out of contract (Oct. 14, 2022)
- Alex Bono (GK)
- Doneil Henry (DEF)
- Noble Okello (MID)
Jonathan Osorio (MID)
- Emmanuel Boateng (MID)
- Clement Diop (GK)
- Wilfried Kaptoum (MID)
- Edward Kizza (FWD)
- Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (FWD)
- A.J. DeLaGarza (DEF)
- Nacho Gil (MID)
- Brad Knighton (GK)
Quentin Westberg (GK)
Option decisions to be made (Oct. 14, 2022)
OCT. 13 – From Supporters’ Shield winners (and record-setters!) to missing the playoffs, the New England Revolution officially got the offseason started by being the first club to announce their end-of-season roster decisions. They’ve started to clear some room for change this winter.
The Revs declined options on four players: Emmanuel Boateng, Clément Diop, Wilfrid Kaptoum and Edward Kizza. At some point over the next month the club also will decide on the option for Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, who arrived in a midseason trade from LAFC, but never made his New England debut due to injury. That injury is why the club hasn’t made a decision on his option.
“He’s been in Germany for three weeks rehabbing an injury,” Arena told media on Thursday. ” … It’s yet to be determined for his status next year. I’ll be meeting with his agent next week to discuss his future. We think the world of him. He’s a really good guy, and I’m hopeful that he gets healthy.”
Though Arena said the injury could potentially be career-ending, Tajouri-Shradi told MLSsoccer.com he’ll recover completely and will be training in the next few weeks.
The moves free up some flexibility for additions. Arena said the Revs are looking to add “three or four players”, including a striker, central midfielder and defensive additions. Jozy Altidore is a player who is also under contract while on loan at Liga MX’s Puebla, but Arena suggested he might not be at the club again in 2023.
“We will have continued discussions with his agent,” Arena said. “I know he has an interest in perhaps going elsewhere and we’ll work with him to see if that’s possible.”
Arena has also previously said they want to bring back midfielder Nacho Gil, though he’s currently out of contract. New England exercised options for nine players, including Henry Kessler. Core members of the squad like 2021 Landon Donovan MLS MVP Carles Gil, breakout goalkeeper Djordje Petrović and Brandon Bye were already under contract for next season.
Expect the Revs to have a busy offseason.
Contract options declined (Oct. 13, 2022)
Option decisions to be made (Oct. 13, 2022)
Out of contract (Oct. 13, 2022)
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