The new MLS NEXT season begins this weekend.

Like every summer, player movement between clubs is significant, as teams around the country seek to raise their level.

Here are some of the top names to know, and the others who have moved during the summer below.

Kevin Houar, City SC Southwest → Austin FC (2009)

The ace goal-scorer has moved from Southern California to Texas. He’ll look to replicate his scoring exploits before heading to San Diego State next year.

Jonathan Torkin, Global Football Innovation → Houston Dynamo (2009)

Another top goal-getter from the 2025-26 season, Torkin should lead the line for the Dynamo Under-18 team.

Cruz Tomori, Rio Rapids SC → Colorado Rapids (2010)

An intriguing physical prospect, the move to Denver will test Tomori in the correct ways. He’s a dynamic player who needs to be challenged by defenders possessing a high level of athleticism. 

Yahir Rosas, Bay Area Surf → San Jose Earthquakes (2010)

The midfield maestro at Surf joins SJ after performing at a high level. He’s someone who can make magic in possession, and the move to an MLS side is going to certainly improve his game off-ball. 

Alexander Eschmann, Real Colorado → San Diego FC (2011)

A tidy left-footed central midfielder, Eschmann anchored Real Colorado’s national championship at the 2011 age group this summer. He’ll need to continue to develop athletically to reach his full potential, but the move to San Diego certainly is an interesting one (and well deserved).

Diego Ros, Barca Residency Academy → FC Dallas (2011)

Another vaunted prospect from the age group, Ros moves to North Texas, and is just as likely to see Next Pro minutes in 2027 as any other players making the move.

Darwin Yair Lopez, Barca Residency Academy → FC Cincinnati (2011)

The talented and dazzling attacker is one of several Barca players on the move to an MLS Academy side. A Honduran youth international, he’ll need to continue to scale his game up against stronger defenders.

Lucas Ortega, LAFC So Cal Youth → LAFC (2012)

After leading his team to an ECNL national championship, Ortega has swapped the ECNL side for LAFC. Able to play centrally in defense or elsewhere in the spine, he brings a rugged physical presence.

Royce Drewniak, Alexandria SA → D.C. United  (2012)

The livewire winger is one of a handful of players from the Alexandria 2012 MLS NEXT side who moved to D.C. this year. 

Mikel Akinmboni, D.C. United → Nashville SC (2010)

Nashville has done an excellent job of late identifying high prospect players to join its setup. Akinmboni moves away from a D.C. team that has already signed a pair of 2010s. Along with that, the center back can gain NEXT Pro experience to smooth his pathway to the first team.

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