Several big stars have made the move to North America this season, and Goal takes a look at the top 15 new faces entering the league
In some ways, it feels like the MLS offseason was all about who left the league.
The MLS transfer fee was shattered with Alphonso Davies' move to Bayern Munich. Tyler Adams is starring with RB Leipzig. Miguel Almiron's highly-publicized move to Newcastle is off to an ideal start and, after several MVP-caliber seasons with Toronto FC, Sebastian Giovinco is now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia.
But there's been no shortage of big-name stars brought into replace them while there's also been an influx on young international talent coming into the league.
From South American stars and former Manchester United regulars to up-and-coming internationals and former U.S. national team hopefuls, its been a busy offseason across MLS.
Let's take a look at the top 15 newcomers set to enter the league in 2019:
Gonzalo Arroyo MorenoGonzalo 'Pity' Martinez | Atlanta UnitedHow do you replace Miguel Almiron? By bringing in one of South America's best players, of course. That's what Atlanta is getting in Martinez, who became a legitimate star at River Plate en route to a Copa Libertadores title. He comes to MLS with an even better pedigree than Almiron entered with two years ago and, while it may take some time to adjust, its a safe bet that 'Pity' will fit in just fine with Atlanta's attacking unit. AdvertisementOrlando CityNani | Orlando CityThe former Manchester United winger showed he still has some game left at Sporitng CP, prompting Orlando to make him their biggest addition since Kaka ahead of their expansion season. His ability to beat players off the dribble will be vital to this Lions team after Orlando show little of anything throughout a dreadful 2018 campaign. New England RevolutionCarles Gil | New England RevolutionIn need of a creator in the attack, the Revs turned to Spanish midfielder Gil, who has experience playing for the likes of Valencia, Aston Villa and Deportivo La Coruna. At 26, Gil is an in-their-prime DP signing in need of a fresh start, a formula that's worked before, and he'll need to work in a big way if the Revs hope to contend entering Brad Friedel's second year.GettyMarco Fabian | Philadelphia UnionBorek Dockal proved a fantastic short-term move, but the Union finally have their No. 10. Fabian has been a key contributor to Mexico for years, although injuries have slowed down his progress in recent times. If Fabian can stay healthy, and if the Union's young core develops around him, the playoffs are certainly a possibility once again.