MLS transfer roundup: Atlanta United signs Giorgos Giakoumakis, Miguel Tapias joins Minnesota
The European transfer windows may have closed, but MLS keeps going. Several teams are still making moves ahead of the 2023 season.
Here's everything you missed..
1. Atlanta United finally sign striker Giorgos Giakoumakis
Atlanta United finally signed international striker Giorgos Giakoumakis from Scottish powerhouse Celtic through the 2026 MLS season.
As 90min previously reported, the player will occupy a Designated Player spot on the roster.
"Giorgos is a player who’s been on the club’s radar for a while and we’re excited to bring him to Atlanta," Carlos Bocanegra, Atlanta's vice president and technical director, said in a release.
“He’s a powerful striker who loves to get in the box and score goals. He plays with a high intensity, works hard and is someone we think will help the team both in the attack and leading the line defensively. We’re excited to welcome him to the club and integrate him into the squad."
He replaces Josef Martinez, who joined Inter Miami in January.
2. Minnesota United signs Miguel Tapias
Minnesota United signed Miguel Tapias from Liga MX team Pachuca CF.
He joins through the 2025 Major League Soccer season with an option for 2026, and will occupy an international slot on Minnesota’s roster.
"Miguel first came across our attention when we played Pachuca in 2019; we’ve kept in touch with him and have been following him ever since," head coach Adrian Heath said in a release.
"The one thing that stuck out for us on the night was he played center back and he had an incredible leap. I remember watching him win some of the headers and thinking the kid has some leap on him.
"Obviously, the fact that he’s left-footed, the fact that he’s got experience, the fact that he can play left-side center back, he’s played in a three-man backline, he can play left back in a four, the fact that he’s 26 – everything combined made it a no-brainer for us."
He joins the MLS team after forming part of the Pachuca side that lifted the 2022 Liga MX Apertura trophy.
3. Jayden Nelson joins Rosenborg in Norway
Toronto FC have sent homegrown winger Jayden Nelson to Norwegian top-flight side Rosenborg BK for an undisclosed fee.
He departs after tallying one goal and two assists in 31 games. The Canadian international originally signed with Toronto ahead of the 2020 campaign.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Jayden and see his progress here at his hometown club," Toronto head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley said in a release.
"We knew Jayden always had the ambition to play in Europe, and when the right opportunity presented itself, we worked diligently with the player to secure the move. Jayden joined us as a Homegrown Player, and we are excited for him to take the next step in his professional journey."