Five Big Stars Who Could Join MLS for Free in 2026: Major Transfers on the Horizon

The MLS wants to continue to attract the best soccer stars, regardless of their age, to come and play in the United States and further raise the competitive quality of the league, as well as its visibility in the eyes of the world. In this transfer market there are great players who could arrive next season to Major League Soccer.

Players from important clubs such as Barcelona and iconic names such as great soccer prospects who have dropped a little in level and would see in this league an opportunity to shine again and bring out their best version—that is why here we mention the five free agents who could join MLS in 2026.

Robert Lewandowski: From Barcelona to MLS

The legendary Polish striker and Bayern Munich icon Robert Lewandowski could join a Major League Soccer team next season, representing one of the most significant transfers in recent MLS history. According to some reporters from the United States, the chances of the former Borussia Dortmund player joining a team like the Chicago Fire are quite high.

According to sources close to the Pole, the player is looking favorably on moving to the United States and spending his final years as a professional playing in MLS. The striker’s contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2026, which opens up the possibility of him arriving as a free agent. This potential transfer would represent a massive coup for MLS, bringing one of the most prolific goal scorers in European football history to American shores.

Lewandowski’s arrival would immediately elevate whichever franchise secures his signature. His experience at the highest levels of European competition, including multiple Champions League campaigns and countless domestic titles, would provide invaluable leadership and mentorship to younger American players. The Polish legend’s clinical finishing and positional intelligence remain assets that could terrorize MLS defenses despite his advancing age.

Hakim Ziyech: The Moroccan Maestro Seeking a New Challenge

According to sources in the United States, the Morocco star Hakim Ziyech, who has been a free agent since September 2025, has been offered to several MLS clubs to join the American league as a franchise player. Although this remains a rumor, the chances of seeing the former Chelsea player in Major League Soccer are high.

Ziyech’s creative abilities and technical prowess could add a new dimension to MLS attacking play. The winger’s left foot has produced countless moments of magic throughout his career at Ajax and Chelsea, and his experience at the 2022 World Cup—where Morocco reached the semi-finals—demonstrates his ability to perform on the biggest stages. His availability as a free agent makes him an attractive proposition for MLS franchises looking to add quality without transfer fees.

The Moroccan international’s versatility allows him to operate across multiple attacking positions, providing tactical flexibility for whichever coach brings him to MLS. At 33 years old in 2026, Ziyech would arrive with plenty of football left to offer, potentially providing several seasons of high-level performances rather than serving merely as a short-term publicity acquisition.

Paco Alcacer: Spanish Striking Experience

The veteran Spanish striker Paco Alcacer, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal and many other clubs in Europe, could join MLS this season as a free agent to add to his long career. Alcacer represents the type of proven European striker that MLS has successfully integrated in recent years, offering goal-scoring ability combined with professional experience.

Throughout his career, Alcacer has demonstrated clinical finishing ability in top European leagues including La Liga and the Bundesliga. His movement in the penalty area and ability to convert half-chances into goals could prove valuable for any MLS club seeking attacking reinforcement. While injuries have hampered the latter stages of his European career, the less physically demanding nature of MLS compared to top European leagues could allow him to extend his playing days productively.

The Spanish international’s experience working with world-class coaches and playing alongside elite teammates would provide important knowledge transfer to developing American players. His professionalism and work ethic, honed in demanding environments at Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, would set positive examples in any MLS locker room.

Dele Alli: Redemption Arc in American Soccer

Once considered one of Europe’s greatest prospects with Tottenham Hotspur, Dele Alli is reportedly very close to joining Major League Soccer after a remarkable drop in footballing level. If he does move to the North American league, the player could be living his last years as a professional footballer, but also potentially staging one of soccer’s most compelling comeback stories.

Dele Alli’s fall from grace has been one of modern football’s most dramatic declines. The midfielder who once terrorized Premier League defenses and earned regular England caps has seen his career derailed by various issues both on and off the pitch. At just 30 years old in 2026, he theoretically should be entering his prime years, making his current situation all the more tragic.

However, MLS has previously served as a rehabilitation platform for talented players whose careers stalled in Europe. The league’s different pressures and expectations, combined with the opportunity for a fresh start geographically and professionally, could provide the environment Dele Alli needs to rediscover his best form. His technical abilities and athletic gifts haven’t disappeared—they simply need the right circumstances to flourish again.

For MLS clubs willing to take a calculated risk, Dele Alli represents a potentially transformative signing. If he can recapture even 70 percent of his peak Tottenham form, he would immediately become one of the league’s most dynamic and dangerous midfielders. The transfer would also generate significant media attention and public interest, particularly among fans who remember his spectacular rise at Spurs.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Premier League Pedigree

The former Liverpool player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of the names that is also strongly rumored to be heading to the United States. The 33-year-old would not look unfavorably on joining a league that continues to grow in fans and level every year thanks to the names of players such as Thomas Muller, Marco Reus and Lionel Messi who continue to raise the quality of each of the teams to which they belong.

Oxlade-Chamberlain brings Premier League and Champions League experience accumulated over a distinguished career at Arsenal and Liverpool. His versatility—comfortable playing as a winger, central midfielder, or attacking midfielder—would provide tactical options for any MLS coach. Despite injury problems that disrupted his Liverpool career, when healthy, “The Ox” remains a dynamic, powerful midfielder capable of driving forward with the ball and contributing both goals and assists.

The English international’s championship pedigree, including winning the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, would add valuable winning mentality to an MLS locker room. His experience competing at the absolute highest level of club football would command respect from teammates and provide credibility when offering guidance to younger players navigating their own career development.

Why These Transfers Matter for MLS

The potential arrival of these five players represents more than simply acquiring aging European stars for their name recognition. Each brings specific qualities that could genuinely improve MLS competitiveness and development:

Experience and Professionalism: Players like Lewandowski and Alcacer have competed consistently at the highest levels, bringing standards and habits that can elevate entire organizations. Their presence in training and matchday environments would expose American players to world-class professionalism.

Technical Quality: Ziyech’s creative abilities and Lewandowski’s finishing remain elite even as they age. Exposing MLS defenses to such quality forces tactical and technical improvement across the league.

Marketing and Visibility: High-profile transfers generate media attention that raises MLS’s profile internationally. When established European stars choose MLS, it validates the league’s growing status in global soccer.

Pathway Demonstration: Successful integration of European veterans demonstrates to other international players that MLS offers a viable and attractive destination, potentially opening doors to future recruitment.

The league has evolved significantly from its early days when aging stars came primarily for retirement paychecks. Modern MLS demands genuine contribution and commitment, creating an environment where motivated players can extend their careers productively while helping American soccer develop.

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