As the August 2 secondary transfer window deadline approaches, teams around Major League Soccer continue to make changes to their rosters.
LAFC have signed a familiar face in defense, and DC United have made a flurry of moves to tweak Wayne Rooney’s squad. A couple of well-known Brazilian sides have been involved in transactions, as well.
Here’s all the latest MLS transfer news you may have missed…
Midfielder Gabirel Pirani has joined DC United from Brazilian outfit Santos on loan for the remainder of the 2023 season. The deal contains an option to make Pirani’s move permanent at the end of the year.
“Gabi is a bright young talent that will excite our fans with his technical ability and vertical play,” DC United president of soccer operations Dave Kasper said. “His vision and playmaking ability in the final third will complement our current group and give us an extra attacking dimension.”
LAFC have confirmed the signing of defender Eddie Segura, bringing back a player who was adored by the Black and Gold fans in his first stint from 2018-2022 (joined on loan in 2018 but then signed permanently in 2019). Segura has agreed to a contract that keeps him LAFC through the 2024 season with options for 2025 and 2026.
“Eddie has been a top-class player and person for LAFC since his arrival in 2018,” general manager John Thorrington said. “This contract renewal is deserved recognition of his professionalism and commitment to LAFC, and we are excited to have Eddie continue his career in Black & Gold.”
Segura is set to bolster LAFC’s defense as they aim to defend their 2022 MLS Cup championship later this year.
Victor Palsson has left DC United to join Belgian Pro League club KAS Eupen. The midfielder originally joined as a Designated Player in 2022, but is now headed out the door after playing just 28 games.
“We want to thank Victor for his service during his time with the club,” president of soccer operations Dave Kasper said. “We wish him all the best in his next chapter in Belgium.”
Austin FC have a new defender in their ranks with the arrival of Matt Hedges via a trade with Toronto FC. In return, the Canadian side will receive up to $475k in General Allocation Money.
“We’re delighted to welcome Matt and his family to Austin and to Austin FC,” sporting director Rodolfo Borell said. “He has consistently been one of the league’s best center backs for the last decade, and his talent and experience will be very valuable to the team.”
“Austin FC is a growing organization with everything in place to be successful,” Hedges said. “I’m excited to join the team and can’t wait to get started.”
Hedges has plenty of history with FC Dallas, and it will be interesting to see how he gets on at his new club, which happens to be their rivals.
Brazilian side Vasco da Gama have signed Houston Dynamo forward Sebastian Fereirra on loan for the remainder of the 2023 season. This move isn’t really a surprise given that he’s made only 11 appearances this season and played under 300 minutes.
“This has been a challenging year for Sebas, and we are happy to find a solution that gives him an opportunity for more playing time in a top league for the next five months,” general manager Pat Onstad said.
“Sebas had a difficult time earning minutes early this season meanwhile our group has been above the playoff line for most of the season, while also advancing to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.”
“We started the season with a different plan for Sebas, but situations changed. We hope this time away is good for him and we look forward to welcoming him back in January.”
Andres Perea joins NYCFC on loan from Philadelphia Union for the rest of the 2023 season, and in return, the Union will receive $300k in General Allocation Money for next season.
“We’re excited to have Andres join the club on a loan for the remainder of the season. Andres will bring additional depth and options to our midfield as we begin a busy period of the season,” Blues sporting director David Lee said.
“He is a young and talented player who has already accumulated a lot of professional experience, both in MLS and abroad, and has a bright future ahead of him. We’re looking forward to integrating him into our group as we push towards the playoffs.”
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