With the league's summer transfer window opening on July 5, Major League Soccer clubs have continued to make changes to their rosters.
Colorado Rapids continue to add to their roster after the arrival of Andrew Gutman with a new flashy forward from Brazil, while in the East, New England Revolution also dipped into the South American market with a new attacking player of their own.
Here's the latest MLS transfer news you may have missed...
1. Franco Ibarra joins Toronto FC on loan
The move may come as a shock to some, as midfielder Franco Ibarra has been one of Atlanta United's best performers in 2023.
Atlanta was forced into a hole in which they had to send out one of their U22 signings on loan to be compliant with MLS rules, and Ibarra was the easiest to offload given his consistent, solid showings when compared to the likes of Santiago Sosa, Erik Lopez, and Edwin Mosquera.
Ibarra departs for Toronto FC on a straight-loan for the remainder of the 2023 season, and the Five Stripes receives $50k in TAM. Atlanta boss Gonzalo Pineda will lean on Sosa, Amar Sedjic, Osvaldo Alonzo, and Matheus Rosseto, and new signing Tristan Muyumba as cover for Ibarra.
"Franco is a bright talent who will provide us with both quality and steel in our midfield," newly promoted Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez said. "He is a warrior, a top young professional, and we are excited to have the opportunity to work with Franco for the remainder of the 2023 season."
2. New England Revs sign Tomas Chancalay on loan
New England Revolution have finalized the signing of forward Tomas Chancalay on loan from Argentine side Racing Club for the remainder of the 2023 season. The Revs have the option to make Chancalay's loan permanent or extend his temporary stay until next summer.
"Tomás is a quality addition to our roster. He is an effective attacking player with good pace and strong technical skills," Revs sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena stated.
"We look forward to integrating him into our team and welcome his contributions as we close out the second half of the season."
The 24-year-old has over 50 goal involvements in 186 career appearances, and will help bring goals to the front line that currently sees Dylan Borrero and Nacho Gil sidelined for the foreseeable future.
3. Rafael Navarro joins Colorado Rapids from Palmeiras
The Colorado Rapids continue to retool their squad as they aim to get out of last place in the Western Conference table with the signing of Rafael Navarro form Brazilian outfit Palmeiras.
The deal is a 12-month loan but contains an option for the Rapids to purchase the forward permanently next summer.
"We’re thrilled to add a striker of Rafael’s quality to our roster as we continue our push to get back into the playoff race," Colorado president Padraig Smith said.
"Rafael is a talented and tenacious player who will bring a goalscoring threat and experience at the highest levels in South America to the club. We believe he can immediately improve our attacking core and look forward to welcoming him to Colorado."
The 23-year-old is exactly what the Rapids need: someone who can score goals to help lift them up the Western Conference standings. Navarro will take up a Designated Player spot on the Rapids roster.
4. Orlando City sign Javier Otero to homegrown contract
Orlando City have signed 20-year-old goalkeeper Javier Otero to a homegrown deal through 2024. Orlando has options to extend the contract in 2025 and 2026.
"Javier is someone that we’ve seen show true talent and a willingness to work hard and keep developing his game at every level in our club," Orlando’s EVP of soccer operations and general manager Luis Muzzi said in a release.
The young shot-stopper joined the central Florida club's academy in 2017, and began playing for Orlando City II in 2020, making 146 saves and keeping seven clean sheets in 32 appearances.
"He’s impressed us in training every day and has shown everyone what he’s capable of in MLS NEXT Pro. We’re excited to see him complete our development pathway to the first team and reward him with this opportunity."
This article was originally published on 90min as MLS transfer roundup: Atlanta United loan out Franco Ibarra, Rapids sign Rafael Navarro as Designated Player.
