Top MLS NEXT Academy moves ahead of the 2025–26 season

September 2025

The 2025–26 MLS NEXT season kicks off this weekend, and as always, the new year brings a wave of fresh faces at new academies. Player movement at the youth level seems to grow each year, and recent roster rule changes — including smaller roster size limits, reduced protected lists, and tighter constraints on who can be protected — have made it easier for players to switch clubs.

The U-15 age group typically sees the most turnover. By this point, nearly every MLS academy has a team, and recruitment ramps up as clubs look to assemble the strongest rosters possible. Here’s a look at the most talented players to change academies this offseason.

Carson Starrett, center-forward that moved from Barca Residency to Inter Miami

Top transfers

WING – Makai Wells (2009)

Barca Residency → New England Revolution

One of just two players from my Top 50 USMNT Prospects list to switch academies this offseason. I’m a huge fan of Wells’ game — he’s creative, direct, and a consistent attacking threat. Expect him to make an immediate impact in New England and feature for their second team next season. This move has already triggered his first USYNT camp as well.

GK – Marcelo Avalos (2009)

Philadelphia Union → San Jose Earthquakes

The second Top 50 USMNT Prospect on the move returns to his home academy after a year with the Union. A transfer fee agreement couldn’t be reached, so Avalos is back in the Bay Area. He holds an Icelandic passport, making a move to Europe possible when he turns 16 in September.

WING – Blessed Chea (2011)

Lanier → Atlanta United

One of the most electric dribblers in the 2011 class. A scout told me, “he was making good players look silly at a USYNT ID camp.” Atlanta landed him for the new season.

CF – Carson Starrett (2011)

Barca Residency → Inter Miami

Early frontrunner for top center forward in the 2011 class. Joins an already stacked Inter Miami 2011 roster.

WING – RJ Atali (2011)

Houston Dynamo → Orlando City

One of the top wingers in his age group, Atali chose Orlando over several MLS suitors.

GK – Zion Hickson (2011)

RSL Arizona → Real Salt Lake

Not yet a household name, but Hickson has elite upside — tall, athletic, confident with the ball, and technically advanced. RSL reportedly plan to play him up an age group with the U-16s.

CM – Dino Shang (2011)

Bay Area Surf → San Jose Earthquakes

He has the tolls to be a complete box-to-box midfielder with pace, strength, vision, and final-third quality. San Jose adds another standout to their 2011 group.

AM – Leo Woehl (2011)

Sockers → Columbus Crew

A versatile attacker from Wisconsin who drew interest from across the league. Likely to feature in Columbus’ two-striker setup or as a creative No. 10.

CB – Nico Banks (2008)

Bethesda → D.C. United

A towering (6’4”–6’5”) center-back with unusual fluidity for his size. Still growing into his frame, but the tools are there.

CB – Danny Haders (2010)

Barca Residency → Real Salt Lake

A rangy, ball-playing center-back who impressed in his short stint at Barca Residency.

GK – Graham Quinn Syrett (2008)

Met Oval → Charlotte FC

An overlooked ‘08 who brings size (6’3”–6’4”), athleticism, and sharp distribution to Charlotte’s setup.

Not yet scouted, but highly rated moves

LB – Easton Odom (2011)

Rebels SC → Barca Residency

One of the most recruited players this offseason despite being on San Diego FC’s protected list. An attack-minded left-back with a late 2011 birthdate who should thrive in Barca’s style.

WING – Darwin Yair Lopez (2011)

FC23 → Barca Residency

Another big Barca pickup, choosing Arizona's Barca Residency over his hometown Houston Dynamo's academy.

CM – Adam Crawford (2010)

Inter Development Futbol → Charlotte FC

A hidden gem from a small North Carolina club. Charlotte is excited about his long-term upside.

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