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MLS transfer roundup: CF Montreal, Nashville SC, DC United & NE Revolution make early moves to begin offseason

With the 2023 Major League Soccer season now officially done and dusted, the buildup for the 2024 campaign is now underway with a few teams making early moves to strengthen their squads.

As the final whistle sounded on December 9 at Lower.com Field when Columbus Crew were crowned MLS Cup champions for the third time, teams around the league were quickly moving (if not already) to prepare moves for the upcoming campaign.

The trade window opened on December 11, while free agency kicks-off on December 13, and Canadian side CF Montreal have been the busiest club thus far as they’ve traded for two full-backs.

Here’s everything you may have missed in the world of MLS trades…

Dru YearwoodDru Yearwood

Dru Yearwood joins Nashville / Roy K. Miller/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Dru Yearwood is headed down south to join Gary Smith and Nashville SC from New York Red Bulls, becoming the first trade of the offseason.

The 23-year-old England national joined RBNY in August 2020 after stints with Premier League outfit Brentford and National League side Southend United. He made 99 appearances across all competitions for Red Bulls, primarily playing as an attacking midfielder.

“Dru gives up needed industry and athleticism as a progressive box-to-box midfielder, and should fit in almost seamlessly with our group,” Nashville general manager Mike Jacobs said in a release.

“We want to thank Dru for his four seasons with our organization; the positive energy he brought every day was amazing,” Red Bulls head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a release. “Dru is a great human being and we are wishing him well in his next opportunity.”

Nashville will send Red Bulls up to $150k of Guaranteed Allocation Money as part of the deal.

CF Montreal trade for Raheem EdwardsCF Montreal trade for Raheem Edwards

CF Montreal trade for Raheem Edwards / Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Raheem Edward’s time on the west coast has come to a close, as he leaves LA Galaxy via trade to re-join CF Montreal. Edwards has played with several MLS clubs such as LAFC, Chicago Fire, Toronto FC and Minnesota United, making over 150 league appearances.

“We’re delighted to welcome Raheem back to Montréal, as he already knows the club and the city well,” said Montreal vice president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard in a release.

“We are proud to add another Canadian player to strengthen our squad. Over the past few seasons, he has demonstrated his qualities as a left back and he will be able to help us in this position, whether in a four or five-man back line, next season.”

In his first stint with Montreal, the 28-year-old made 14 appearances and scored twice from January to July of 2018. He made 70 appearances across all competitions for the Galaxy after joining in 2022.

The Galaxy will receive up to $400k in Guaranteed Allocation Money on their end of the trade.

“We’d like to thank Raheem for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy over the past two seasons,” Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz said in a release.

“While it is never easy to say goodbye to a player who has demonstrated such strong commitment to our club, the move allows Raheem to be closer to his family in Canada, while providing the roster flexibility that will help us in our effort to build a championship contending team for the 2024 campaign and beyond.”

Nick Lima is headed to Gillette StadiumNick Lima is headed to Gillette Stadium

Nick Lima is headed to Gillette Stadium / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Full-back Nick Lima is set to join his third MLS club after New England Revolution acquired the 29-year-old in a trade with Western Conference side Austin FC.

Prior to joining the Verde and Black, Lima made over 100 appearances for San Jose Earthquakes between 2016-2020 before reaching the same milestone at Q2 Stadium from 2020-2023.

“Nick Lima has proven to be a dependable defender in Major League Soccer over the last seven years and has been a steady presence on the backline for both of his previous clubs,” New England sporting director Curt Onalfo said in a release.

“With the ability to play at either outside back position, we foresee Nick making important contributions to our squad and bolstering our defensive unit in a key area for the 2024 season.”

In exchange, Austin receives up to $300k in Guaranteed Allocation Money.

“We’re grateful to Nick for everything he contributed during his time in Austin, and as one of the club’s original players, he’ll always be an important part of its history,” Austin sporting director Rodolfo Borrell said. “We wish him and his family all the best in New England.”

Aaron HerreraAaron Herrera

Aaron Herrera departs Montreal / Scott Taetsch/GettyImages

Montreal made another full-back acquisition by swapping right-backs with DC United, trading for Ruan and receiving up to $500k of Guaranteed Allocation Money while sending Aaron Herrera in the other direction to the Black and Red.

Herrera departs after making just 23 appearances for the Canadian club after joining in December 2022. The 26-year-old made over 130 appearances for Real Salt Lake from February 2018 to December 2022.

“We are excited to welcome Aaron to D.C. United and we are thrilled to be securing an elite and proven defender in this league,” DC United general manager and chief soccer officer Ally Mackay said in a release. 

“Aaron has been one of the top fullbacks in MLS over the last couple of seasons and we think his style of play aligns with our philosophy and will significantly bolster our roster in that position. He has the defensive intuition combined with a desire to go forward and create goal-scoring opportunities. We believe he will be a huge success in the District and we’re excited to integrate him with the team.”

On the other side of the deal, Ruan joins Montreal after suiting up over 110 times for Orlando City before a brief stint with DC for just one season.

“We are delighted with the acquisition of Ruan, one of the best right backs in MLS,” Renard said.

“With his excellent pace and crossing ability, he will fit in very well with our style of play. I’d also like to thank Aaron for his 2023 season with us, and we wish him all the best for the rest of his career.”

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