MLS transfer roundup: Kamal Miller traded to Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes sign Alfredo Morales

The winter transfer window is in full swing, as clubs around Major League Soccer continue to make changes to best position their sides for a successful 2024 campaign.

Inter Miami continue to tweak their roster ahead of an all-important 2024 season that will be Lionel Messi's first full campaign in the league, while San Jose Earthquakes continue to be active in the free agent market.

Here's all the latest MLS transfer news you may have missed.

1. Inter Miami trade defender Kamal Miller to Portland Timbers

Inter Miami have traded center-back Kamal Miller to the Portland Timbers, with the 26-year-old set to play for his fourth different MLS club starting in the 2024 season.

As part of the deal, Miami will receive $625k in General Allocation Money (GAM) that will be split across the next two campaigns, an international roster spot, as well as another $150k in 'performance-based' GAM if certain requirements are met.

Miller brings plenty of experience to the Timbers backline and reunites with first-year head coach Phil Neville, as the duo were together at Miami before Neville was relieved of his duties last June. Miller managed 35 appearances with Miami and captured the 2023 Leagues Cup after joining from CF Montreal in April 2023 via a trade.

"We are excited to welcome Kamal Miller to the Portland Timbers," Portland general Manager Ned Grabavoy said in a release.

"Strengthening our defensive group this offseason was a priority. Kamal provides us with a great player, competitor, and flexibility along our backline. We look forward to him joining our group as our preseason work gets underway."

Miller has earned 41 caps for the Canada national team since his debut in 2019, featuring at the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside former MLS standout Alphonso Davies.

2. San Jose Earthquakes sign ex-NYCFC midfielder Alfredo Morales

San Jose Earthquakes have signed veteran midfielder Alfredo Morales to a one-year deal through the 2024 season with an option for 2025. The Berlin, Germany native hit the free-agent market after his contract option was declined by New York City FC following the 2023 season.

In exchange, San Jose is sending a 2026 third round SuperDraft pick to the Big Apple.

Morales spent the last three seasons with NYCFC, where he suited up for the Blues 86 times, scoring once and dishing out seven assists. The 33-year-old helped NYCFC lift their first-ever trophy in 2021 in the form of MLS Cup while also lifting the 2022 Campeones Cup.

"Alfredo brings playoff experience and knows how to win in this league," San Jose general manager Chris Leitch said in a release.

"I'm looking forward to having him as a veteran presence in our talented midfielder group for the 2024 season."

Morales brings European experience to San Jose following his first few seasons in the league, as he boasts 246 appearances in German soccer with the likes of Hertha Berlin, FC Ingolstadt and Fortuna Dusseldorf.

3. New England Revolution sign free agent defender Jonathan Mensah

New England Revolution have signed free agent center-back Jonathan Mensah to a one-year contract through 2024 with an option for 2025.

Mensah, who has 50 appearances for the Ghana national team and featured at two FIFA World Cups, spent the 2023 season in the Western Conference with San Jose Earthquakes.

Prior to last season, the 33-year-old was an integral part of Columbus Crew's defense, as he was a mainstay in the starting XI in his seven seasons at the club where he lifted MLS Cup in 2020 alongside Revs first-year boss Caleb Porter.

"Jonathan Mensah is an experienced defender with a long history of success in our league and at the international level, and someone who knows firsthand what it takes to win an MLS Cup," Revs sporting director Curt Onalfo said in a release.

"Adding Jonathan to our already talented group of central defenders gives us the depth required to field a strong team in every competition as we navigate a busy schedule."