What we’re hearing about Miami, Philly and more at the start of MLS free agency: Bogert and Tenorio

The 2023 MLS season officially ended on Saturday with the Columbus Crew hoisting MLS Cup, and now all 29 teams are firmly in offseason mode. That means silly season is upon us. Free agency officially opened at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Here’s the latest we’re hearing around MLS.

Inter Miami favorites for Julian Gressel

Inter Miami is interested in free agent wingback/midfielder Julian Gressel and is considered the favorites to land the two-time MLS Cup winner, sources briefed on the situation tell The Athletic.

Miami is led by former Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino, who was Gressel’s first manager in MLS.

The New England Revolution also wants Gressel and is in the mix. Sources describe it currently as being a two-horse race between Miami and New England but, as free agency just opened, things can change.  

Gressel, turning 30 this week, spent the last half of 2023 with the Columbus Crew, winning his second MLS Cup. He won his first in Atlanta under Martino in 2018. He’s regarded as among the best crossers in MLS and can also play right back or central midfield, providing versatility useful to any club, but particularly so for Miami and New England, who are qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup and could use the extra depth.

Miami continues to build its roster around Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. They added rising youth internationals Tomas Aviles, Facundo Farias and Diego Gomez last summer, and the club is finalizing a deal to sign Luis Suarez this winter. 

The German-born Gressel has six caps with the U.S. national team after becoming a citizen last year.

Philly duo Wagner, Bedoya hit free agency

After the Philadelphia Union changed course and re-opened discussions with club legend Ale Bedoya and left back Kai Wagner for potential returns, nothing is yet agreed as the pair officially hit free agency.

Sources say the club remain open for talks with both players, but no agreements have been reached.

Bedoya, 36, has been integral to Philly’s transformation into the upper echelon of MLS clubs since his arrival in 2016. He started 25 regular season games and all three of their playoff games this year, still a key player for coach Jim Curtin.

Wagner, 26, has been a crucial part of the Union’s success in recent years, having made the all-star squad in 2021 and 2022. He was an MLS best XI selection in 2022, as well as a finalist for MLS defender of the year, while setting a new league record for assists by a defender. Wagner has made 170 appearances with Philly.

The Union had a contract offer out to Wagner as of last week and said that offer would have a deadline on it. If Cincy feels an imminent offer from abroad coming for left wingback Alvaro Barreal, they would be among the clubs considering Wagner in free agency, but the timing complicates any potential offer.

Cincy acquires Keller from Austin

FC Cincinnati has acquired the MLS rights to center back Kipp Keller from Austin FC in exchange for a third round SuperDraft selection, sources briefed on the deal said. 

Cincy has agreed a first team contract with Keller as well, sources add.

Keller, 23, was selected No. 5 overall in the 2022 SuperDraft by Austin. FC Cincinnati had the second overall pick and strongly considered Keller, but opted for goalkeeper Roman Celentano instead. Now they have both.

The center back made 17 first-team appearances over two seasons with Austin and another 16 with the club’s second team. Before that, he starred at Saint Louis University.

LA Galaxy chasing Japanese international right back

The LA Galaxy is in negotiations to sign Japan right back Miki Yamane from Kawasaki Frontale, sources briefed on the talks said.

Nothing is agreed or being finalized yet.

Yamane, turning 30 this month, has 21 caps with the Japan national team and was part of their squad at the 2022 World Cup. He has spent his entire career in Japan so far, racking up nearly 200 appearances in the top flight and has been a regular in the AFC Champions League. He’s won two league titles with Kawasaki.

Yamane could potentially join international teammate Maya Yoshida in Los Angeles. 

Japanese outlet DomeSoccer first reported the talks.

Gadi Kinda unlikely to return to SKC

Sporting KC designated player and Israel international midfielder Gadi Kinda is extremely unlikely to return to the club this winter, sources briefed on the talks said. 

Talks are currently inactive, as he’s expected to return to Europe to be closer to family. Kinda is out of contract after four seasons with the club.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has been productive when healthy, but was limited to just 20 appearances (eight starts) over the last 68 regular season games in two seasons for SKC. He missed the entirety of 2022 with a knee injury.

Kinda had 16 goals and 17 assists in 80 appearances with SKC.

Kinda’s departure will open a DP spot for SKC. The club re-signed forward Alan Pulido to a new contract this fall, keeping the club-record signing at SKC for the long-term. His contract was also set to expire this winter.

Liga MX clubs interested in Arriola

Several Liga MX clubs have Paul Arriola on their list of targets for a potential winter move, but FC Dallas is yet to receive any offers, sources briefed on the situation said.

Arriola, 28, is a dual-national with the U.S. and Mexico. He began his career at Club Tijuana, making his debut in 2013. He made 80 appearances for Xolos before signing with D.C. United in 2017. He was traded to FC Dallas ahead of the 2022 season for a league-record fee of $2 million GAM.

Club America tried to sign Arriola that winter, as well. 

Arriola had his career-best season in 2022 with 10 goals and six assists for Dallas, but struggled with injury in 2023. He’s under contract through 2025 with a club option for 2026.

(Photo: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)