After the World Cup, Which Stars Are Most Likely to Move to MLS?

We're all mourning the loss of the World Cup, but that doesn't mean that soccer stops. Now that the trophy has been lifted, the transfer floodgates have opened. Attention is shifting from national teams to club futures and whether another wave of international stars could be headed to Major League Soccer after the country's hosting stint.

One major name is already off the board: Chicago Fire announced the signing of Robert Lewandowski as a Designated Player on June 29.

But other superstars could be on their way, so let's dig into the odds, courtesy of Kalshi.

Casemiro’s 91% chance makes his potential move look less like transfer speculation and more like a deal awaiting the final steps.

An Inter Miami owner has confirmed a deal has been made, and an official announcement is coming shortly; Miami midfielder Telasco Segovia even publicly spoke about Casemiro as though his arrival was expected. Once that announcement is made, Casemiro will likely be off the board completely.

A move would place Casemiro alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul in Miami, giving the defending MLS Cup champions yet another player with experience at the pinnacle of the sport.

At 29%, Lucas Moura is the only unresolved player besides Casemiro receiving anything close to significant from the markets.

Reports have indicated that Moura received multiple MLS offers, with LAFC described as the club furthest along in its pursuit. His São Paulo contract also expires at the end of 2026, creating an obvious decision point for the 33-year-old winger. at 

There is, however, a substantial complication. Moura underwent surgery in May after rupturing his right Achilles tendon. That injury, combined with his existing contract, could make an immediate move even more difficult than the 29% figure suggests, as this market resolves at the close of the transfer window in September.

It may not happen this year, but a reunion with Moura's former Spurs co-star Son Heung-min looks like it could be in the cards for 2027 at least.

Neymar and Angel Di María are each listed at 16%, although neither appears especially close to making their way up to the US.

Neymar signed a contract keeping him with Santos through the end of the 2026 season. An eventual MLS move remains easy to imagine, particularly given his profile, commercial appeal and history with Messi, a Miami move feels like a match made in heaven. But a transfer this summer would require Santos and Neymar to change course.

Di María appears even more firmly settled. After returning to boyhood club Rosario Central in 2025, he recently extended his contract through June 2027. That makes his inclusion among the market’s higher-priced possibilities somewhat surprising, although maybe the allure of a New York or LA could change his course.

Cristiano Ronaldo sits at 12%, but he remains under contract with Saudi club Al Nassr through June 2027. An MLS club would need to overcome both that commitment and the enormous financial demands associated with signing one of the world’s most recognizable athletes. That's almost certainly not happening. 

Any Ronaldo to MLS move would realistically have to wait until he's eligible for a free transfer in a year.

Mohamed Salah, listed at just 9%, is actually more interesting to me than any of the non-Casemiro options listed above him.

Liverpool has confirmed the conclusion of his nine-year stay at Anfield, leaving him free to choose his next club. The Athletic has reported interest from several MLS teams, with Sporting Kansas City emerging as the top possible destination.

I'm not sure if it's realistic for an international superstar like Salah to choose to move to Kansas City, and the fact that they're listed before clubs like LAFC, Galaxy, or Miami is a headscratcher that could make the move harder. Plus, Salah clearly has a lot of good football left, as evidenced by his run leading Egypt to the Round of 16 in this year's World Cup where it took Argentina to the brink of elimination.

It's more likely that he goes to a Turkish or Saudi side, but the fact that he is a free agent makes a Salah to MLS move more realistic than Neymar or Ronaldo this season.