The MLS winter transfer window doesn’t officially open for a while, but that doesn’t mean the shopping hasn’t started (sorry for the double negative).

Chief soccer officers and agents are on the phone basically 24/7 this time of year trying to get deals done, and we’ve all got notifications turned on for tommy Scoops’ social accounts. If you don’t, consider that a PSA.

For the time being, here are five eastern Conference teams I’m keeping a close eye on in the buildup to the 2026 MLS season.

You may remember all the way back to Dec. 6 when Inter Miami won MLS Cup 2025 presented by Audi – their third trophy in three years – and then immediately bid farewell to retiring legends Sergio busquets and Jordi Alba. That opened up two Designated Player roster slots.

One of those has already been filled: Miami exercised their permanent transfer option on midfielder rodrigo De Paul, who was on loan from Atlético Madrid.

The other DP slot remains empty, and I can’t imagine they’re planning to spend that spot on another left back (somebody better teach Sergio Reguilón about Targeted Allocation Money). Another string-pulling, deep-lying central midfielder in the Busquets mold would make sense, but those guys don’t grow on trees.

The other things I’m keeping an eye on here:

• Luis Suárez is out of contract and no longer a starter, but still had 34 goal contributions last year. Miami explicitly said they’re in negotiations to bring him back.
• Teenage forward Allen Obando barely got on the field, but he’s a big-time talent and they’re working to bring him back as well. If those two guys return, I wouldn’t expect Miami to do any No. 9 shopping.
• Does Tadeo Allende return after his season-long loan from Celta de Vigo? he was their second leading scorer (all competitions) last season with 24 goals, and went on an all-time heater in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
• Will they buy

Red Bulls on the Brink of a New Era

The New York Red Bulls stand at a pivotal moment, poised for important change under new leadership. With a new head of sport in Julian de Guzman and the anticipated appointment of Michael bradley as head coach, a shift in philosophy is on the horizon.

Last season highlighted vulnerabilities, especially the inconsistency of striker luis Muriel. While impactful at times, Muriel proved unreliable in crucial matches, especially from the Leagues Cup semifinals onward. His contract is expiring, creating an prospect for a refresh. The rest of the attack appears promising, contingent on Tiago proving to be an upgrade over Iván Angulo. The defense currently lacks depth, but further signings are expected.

However, the open Designated Player (DP) slot is the key to their success. A successful DP acquisition could elevate them to a 60-point team, while a misstep could leave them battling for a Wild Card spot.

The incoming game model is expected to be a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession and utilizing true wingers – a departure from their previous style. While a complete change into a team like San Diego FC isn’t anticipated, a resemblance to New York City FC is plausible.

Moves are already underway to facilitate this change,with midfielder Peter Stroud heading to Minnesota United FC and Lewis morgan transferring to San Diego.These moves aim to clear cap space and open up an international roster slot.

The crucial question remains: who will fill the DP slot? The team is likely to integrate young players from RBNY II,but the DP signing will define their ambitions. The extent of their spending and any further moves remain to be seen.