MLS transfer roundup: NYCFC sign Jovan Mijatovic, Inter Miami transfer Gregore to Botafogo
- Gregore departs Inter Miami to return to native Brazil
- A veteran midfielder decides to hang up his boots having last played for Miami
- NYCFC sign highly rated 18-year-old striker from Serbian giants
Major League Soccer clubs continue to make changes to their rosters with just a couple days remaining before the start of the new season.
A longtime MLS midfielder has called it quits on a 13-year career, Inter Miami sanction the transfer of a former captain to move closer toward roster compliance and New York City FC have signed another talented player that looks destined for stardom.
Here's all the latest MLS transfer news you may have missed.
1. Gregore departs Inter Miami for Brazilian outfit Botafogo
Inter Miami have transferred midfielder and former club captain Gregore to Brazilian club Botafogo for a reported fee of $2.8m.
Gregore returns to Brazil where he spent his entire career prior to joining the Herons in February of 2021. He departs DRV PNK Stadium having made 67 appearances across all competitions.
"We would like to thank Gregore for all of his contributions on and off the pitch, and wish him the best in this next step in his career as he returns home to Brazil. His leadership and hard work were key for us during his time at the club," Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said in a release.
"We are positioning ourselves to be ready for what we're sure will be an exciting 2024 season."
The move was sanctioned so that Miami are roster compliant before the deadline on Friday, February 23.
2. Houston Dynamo sign Coco Carrasquilla to new contract
Houston Dynamo have signed midfielder/winger Coco Carrasquilla to a fresh contract through the 2025 MLS campaign with options for 2026 and 2027.
"Coco is an exceptional talent, who is garnering significant international attention for his performances for both club and country over the past couple of years," Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said in a release.
"Extending Coco's deal was a priority for us this offseason, as he is an integral part of one of the best midfields in the league and a key contributor to our recent success. We are happy for Coco to commit to a new deal as we build upon the strong foundation set last year."
The 25-year-old lifted the 2023 US Open Cup with the Dynamo and has managed seven goals in 81 appearances since joining in 2021 from Spanish side Cartagena. Carrasquilla has also suited up 51 times for the Panama national team, scoring twice.
3. NYCFC sign forward Jovan Mijatovic from Red Star Belgrade
New York City FC have signed forward Jovan Mijatovic from Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade on a contract through the 2028 campaign with an option for 2029.
The 18-year-old arrives in the Big Apple after managing 10 goals and three assists at the first-team level for Red Star, where he also starred for the team's U17 and U19 teams before rising to the senior level.
The NYCFC front office shelled out roughly $8.6m to acquire the youngster's services, according to Tom Bogert of The Athletic.
"Jovan was one of the most sought-after young strikers in Europe, so it is especially pleasing that despite various other opportunities, he has chosen New York City FC as the best place for his career development," sporting director David Lee said in a release.
"Jovan is a clinical finisher with good movement and excellent technical ability. His strong personality and work ethic will translate well on and off the pitch and allow him to maximize his potential
Mijatovic also brings experience from the UEFA Champions League and Europa League while registering one goal in 10 appearances at the youth international level for the Serbian U19 national team.
4. Victor Ulloa retires from professional soccer
Victor Ulloa has confirmed his retirement from professional soccer at 31 years old, having last suited up alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
He departed Miami at the end of the 2023 season as a free agent after registering 82 appearances for the Eastern Conference side upon arriving in January 2020 ahead of their inaugural 2020 campaign.
Ulloa recorded 243 league appearances (172 starts) for the likes of Miami, FC Cincinnati and FC Dallas. The former midfielder won two trophies during his career that was exclusively in MLS - the 2016 US Open Cup with Dallas and the 2023 Leagues Cup with Miami.