Paul Pogba (31) is considering a short-term contract before securing a major transfer in the summer window, according to Foot Mercato. The French World Cup winner, currently a free agent, was unable to find a new club during the winter transfer window. With his contract at Juventus terminated in November 2024, he remains without a team but is expected to return to action soon.
Paul Pogba’s Suspension Hinders Winter Transfer
Despite being available on a free transfer, Paul Pogba’s inability to play before March 11th became a significant obstacle during winter transfer negotiations. Several clubs, including Marseille, expressed interest in signing the French midfielder but ultimately withdrew due to his temporary suspension. As a result, Pogba was left without a deal, forcing him to reassess his options and plan his next move as he prepares for a return to professional football.
Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Potential Destinations: MLS, Brazil, or Turkey
Reports suggest Pogba could move to Major League Soccer (MLS), Brazil, or Turkey, where transfer windows remain open. These leagues present viable options for the midfielder to regain match fitness before a potential high-profile move in June. With clubs in these regions still able to sign players, Pogba can begin training immediately to prepare for his return.
A short-term stint in one of these leagues could provide Pogba with much-needed game time before securing a major transfer in the summer. His next move will likely depend on his performance and fitness levels. If he impresses, top European clubs may reignite their interest when the transfer market reopens in June.
Chicago Fire FC has made a significant move by signing Robert Turdean, a Chicago native and midfielder, to a club-record contract for a Homegrown Player. At just 15 years and eight days old, Turdean is the youngest field player in the club’s history and the 10th youngest in Major League Soccer (MLS). His contract, which runs through 2028 with options for 2029 and 2030, is also the second-largest deal for a Homegrown Player in MLS history. Specific financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Commitment to Local Talent and Player Development
Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter expressed pride in signing Turdean, highlighting his impressive growth within the club’s Academy. Berhalter emphasized the importance of Turdean’s decision to stay with the Fire over offers from major European clubs, underscoring the environment the team is building and its commitment to nurturing local talent. The club looks forward to supporting Turdean’s continued development as he transitions into professional soccer.
Robert Turdean (Chicago Fire FC)
In his statement, Robert Turdean shared his excitement about signing his first professional contract with the Fire, describing it as a “dream come true.” He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his family, coaches, and teammates throughout his journey. Turdean is eager to contribute to the club’s success and grow both on and off the field, aiming to make the city of Chicago proud.
A Rising Star in the Academy and National Team
Turdean, now the 26th Homegrown Player in the club’s history, has a standout record with the Chicago Fire Academy. He played a pivotal role in the team’s 2024 U-15 MLS NEXT Cup Championship, helping secure the club’s second national title in MLS NEXT. Turdean also contributed significantly in the championship game, scoring two goals in a 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy Academy. In the 2024-25 season, he has already registered 11 goals and three assists for the U-16 and U-18 teams. Additionally, Turdean has represented the U.S. U-15 Men’s Youth National Team.
Chicago Fire Academy Technical Director Gary Lewis praised Turdean’s ability to adapt quickly to the higher levels of competition and his creativity on the field. Turdean’s unconventional approach to solving challenges on the pitch has impressed his coaches, and they are excited to see him continue his professional journey with the Fire. The club is confident that Turdean will evolve into a key player for the team in the coming years.
LA Galaxy Prepares for MLS Season Amid Key Departures, New Signings, and Fierce Rivalry Challenges LA Galaxy)
As Major League Soccer (MLS) celebrates its 30th season, the Los Angeles Galaxy is making significant roster moves to prepare for the upcoming campaign. Despite being six-time MLS Cup champions, the Galaxy will start their season with a notable absence: star midfielder Riqui Puig. His departure from the team will undoubtedly leave a void, but the club has made several off-season moves to ensure they remain competitive in 2024.
The winter transfer window saw Galaxy General Manager Kuntz continue his reshuffling of the team. A year ago, Kuntz made a splash by bringing in international players Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, both of whom had standout rookie seasons in 2023. The Galaxy will rely heavily on their continued growth and impact on the field to offset the loss of Puig, who was a pivotal part of the midfield. Additionally, goalkeeper John McCarthy was acquired to replace Jonathan Bond, providing a fresh option in goal.
In other major changes, the Galaxy shipped MLS Cup Finals MVP Gastón Brugman to Nashville SC in exchange for veteran midfielder Sean Davis. The trade not only strengthens the midfield depth but also adds a seasoned player to help lead the team through a challenging season. The team also used their first-round selection in the MLS SuperDraft to secure midfielder Jason Bucknor from the University of Michigan, further bolstering their roster.
Key Trades and Player Movement
The most recent trade involved midfielder Marky Delgado, who was sent to Los Angeles FC (LAFC), a significant Western Conference rival. In return, the Galaxy received $400,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), which will be spread over two years (2025 and 2026). Delgado had been a fixture in the Galaxy midfield for several years, making 106 appearances and starting 94 of them. His departure marks the end of an era, as he was instrumental in the club’s sixth MLS Cup victory.
Delgado’s trade highlights the Galaxy’s ongoing roster overhaul, as the team also lost Brazilian midfielder Igor Jesus to LAFC, further intensifying the rivalry between the two LA-based teams. With these departures, the Galaxy will look to fill key spots in midfield, especially with the absence of key figures like Delgado and Puig.
Sean Davis (Major League Soccer)
Despite the player exits, the Galaxy have secured some promising new additions. Veteran midfielder Sean Davis, a key player acquired in the trade with Nashville SC, will join the Galaxy’s roster, bringing his experience to the midfield. Davis’ leadership will be critical, especially in guiding the younger players through a packed and demanding season. In addition to Davis, Jason Bucknor’s arrival gives the Galaxy an exciting, youthful prospect in midfield, who will look to make his mark in his first MLS season.
Another addition to the Galaxy roster is German international Marco Reus, who will bring added creativity to the midfield, alongside veteran Edwin Cerrillo. These signings will provide the team with the depth needed to manage the challenges of a 34-game regular season, the Leagues Cup, and the U.S. Open Cup, as well as the MLS playoffs. The team will rely on these new additions, along with a core of established players, to remain competitive and push for success.
The Challenge of Rivalry Matches
The trade of Delgado to LAFC ensures that the already intense rivalry between the two teams will only be heightened this season. The two teams will meet twice at Dignity Health Sports Park, with the first clash scheduled for May 18 and the second for July 19. The Galaxy are coming off a perfect 16-0 regular season record at home last year, and they will be hoping to maintain that dominance. However, with the departures of key players and the addition of rivals like Delgado and Jesus to LAFC, these matchups will be even more critical for both teams.
As the Galaxy enter the 2024 season, they are undergoing a period of transition, with several key players departing and new additions joining the team. The challenge will be for the squad to blend these new faces into the existing structure while maintaining chemistry with the returning stars. Despite the turnover, the Galaxy’s primary goal remains to compete at the highest level and contend for another MLS Cup. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team will strive to stay competitive throughout a season filled with new challenges and intense rivalries.
MLS Reveals 2025 Schedule, Kicking Off Sounders FC's Most Ambitious Season Yet in Seattle
Major League Soccer has revealed the 2025 regular-season schedule, where each of the 30 teams will play 34 matches—17 home and 17 away—starting February 22 and ending October 18. The Sounders FC will start their 2025 MLS regular season with a home game against Charlotte FC on February 22 at Lumen Field.
Commitment to Fans
“We’ve worked hard to create a schedule that improves the fan experience,” said Sounders FC President of Business Operations, Hugh Weber. “Different start times will accommodate families and avoid conflicts with other events. We’re excited for the 2025 season and look forward to seeing our fans at Lumen Field.”
Ticket Options
Full-season and flex memberships are now available. Fans can also purchase the Holiday Pack, which includes two tickets to three of the most exciting matches of the season for $210. Special $20.25 tickets are available for the home opener on February 22 and the Concacaf Champions Cup match on February 26. Other individual match tickets will go on sale in early 2025.
MLS Season Pass and TV Coverage
All MLS matches will be available live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with enhanced production for featured games on Sunday evenings. FOX Sports will broadcast 34 MLS games in 2025, with coverage on both FOX and FS1, including Spanish-language broadcasts on FOX Deportes.
Key Rivalries and Cascadia Cup
The Sounders will have four Cascadia Cup matches in 2025, facing Portland and Vancouver. The team travels to Portland on May 17 and hosts them on October 4. Matches against Vancouver are set for June 8 in Vancouver and September 27 in Seattle.
MLS
MLS Cup Champion and Expansion Team Matchups
Sounders FC will play against the 2024 MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy on August 10 and September 13. They will also face MLS expansion team San Diego FC on April 5 in San Diego and May 28 in Seattle.
Eastern Conference Opponents
The team will meet six Eastern Conference teams, including their first-ever road match against 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami CF on September 16. The Columbus Crew, 2024 Leagues Cup champions, will visit Seattle on July 6.
Decision Day and Final Match
The season will conclude with Decision Day on October 18, where teams will compete to determine their playoff positions. The Sounders will face New York City FC on the road, marking only the second time in club history they’ve ended the season away.
Concacaf Champions Cup
Before the regular season starts, Sounders FC will compete in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, with a match against Antigua GFC on February 19 and the second leg on February 26 at Lumen Field. This will be Seattle’s first time in the competition since winning the title in 2022.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Sounders FC will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, alongside Inter Miami. Seattle will host all their Group Stage matches at Lumen Field, starting with Brazilian team Botafogo on June 15, Atlético Madrid on June 19, and Paris Saint-Germain on June 23.
Leagues Cup 2025
The 2025 Leagues Cup, featuring teams from MLS and Liga MX, will run from July 29 to August 31. The full schedule and format will be released in early 2025.
2024 Season Recap
In 2024, Sounders FC finished fourth in the Western Conference with a 16-9-9 record. They advanced to the Western Conference Final but were defeated by LA Galaxy. The team also reached the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals and the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals, with an overall record of 22-13-12 across all competitions.
