MLS transfer roundup: Nashville SC strengthens roster, Alonso Aceves to Chicago Fire
Major League Soccer teams are making the most of the Primary Transfer Window.
Several clubs have adjusted their rosters since kicking off the 2023 MLS season on February 25, securing deals and sealing contract extensions before the window closes on April 24. The Chicago Fire stregthened their roster, bringing over Alonso Aceves from Liga MX's Pachuca, while Inter Miami made sure to keep Bryce Duke put with a new long-term contract.
Here are all the transfers you missed...
1. Nashville signs Jan Gregus
Nashville SC has signed Slovakian international Jan Gregus through the 2023 MLS season with a club option for 2024.
The player will be available for selection for Nashville’s match against the New England Revolution on March 18. Gregus is no stranger to MLS, managing two goals and 24 assists in 90 league appearances during stints with Minnesota United FC (2019-21) and the San Jose Earthquakes (2022).
"We are excited to be able to add Jan to our group. He’s someone our staff has been a fan of since watching him play for Minnesota United when he first entered MLS as well as for his country," Nashville general manager Mike Jacobs said in a release. "And believe he fits into what we look for in a player in that role on and off the field. His range of passing and playmaking out of midfield make him a welcome addition."
2. NYCFC strengthen roster with a homegrown player
New York City have signed homegrown midfielder Jonathan Shore through the 2027 MLS season with an option for 2028.
The 15-year-old stands as the 11th homegrown signing since NYCFC’s academy began in 2015. He joined the program in 2017 as a 10-year-old, working through the various age groups before making two appearances with the MLS NEXT Pro team and signing a professional contract.
"Jonathan is an intelligent, creative and dynamic central midfield player who has performed at a high level consistently throughout his time in our academy and has impressed in his opportunities to train and play with the first team," NYCFC sporting director David Lee said in a release.
"With the addition of NYCFC II to our player pathway, Jonathan will be able to play professional games in MLS NEXT Pro competition which will continue to enhance his development."
3. Bryce Duke stays put
Bryce Duke is staying at Inter Miami.
The South Florida team signed the midfielder to a contract extension through the 2025 Major League Soccer season with an option for 2026. He arrived in 2022, through a trade with LAFC, and quickly made an impact under head coach Phil Neville.
He’s managed seven assists in 29 league appearances.
"Bryce is a dynamic young talent and we’re excited to keep him with us," chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said in a press release. "Since he arrived here he has steadily and consistently improved. We’re looking forward to helping him along his continued upward trajectory with Inter Miami."
4. Alonso Aceves joins MLS
Chicago Fire FC have signed Alonso Aceves on loan from Liga MX side CF Pachuca through the 2023 season with a purchase option. He is set to occupy a U22 Initiative slot and an international roster position with the Fire, alongside Federico Navarro and Georgios Koutsias.
"As we continue to strengthen our 2023 roster, it was important that we used our final 2023 U22 Initiative slot for a player who has experience as a starter in a highly competitive league," Chicago sporting director Georg Heitz said in a release.
"Alonso was an important player for Pachuca during their run to the Liga MX final in 2022 and has already gained experience playing overseas with his recent move to Spain. We expect him to compete for first-team minutes and add more depth and quality to our backline."
Aceves arrives in Chicago after spending the 2022-23 season on loan with Spanish LaLiga2 side Real Oviedo, where he logged 824 minutes in 10 league matches and one Copa del Rey fixture against Real Sociedad Gimnástica Torrelavega.
Aceves originally made his professional debut with Pachuca at 19 years old in November 2020, one assist in 23 first-team appearances for the Mexican club before jetting off.