A bevy of noteworthy signings have already been made this winter, hinting at another influential influx of overseas talent in 2018.
Here’s an overview of who’s signed on for the season ahead, where they’ve come from and what it might mean for MLS.
More money, more ambition
It’s no shock to see bullish new clubs splash cash on big moves for star players, as LAFC did with Carlos Vela and Atlanta United did last winter with Miguel Almiron and seem keen to continue doing this offseason, given the drumbeat of reports about the Five Stripes targeting Ezequiel Barco.