5 Gold Cup stars who should be on MLS teams' summer transfer radar | OneFootball

The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup has delivered another summer of high-intensity football, breakout performances, and standout talent across North and Central America. While fans are focused on continental glory, scouts across MLS might also be scouring the tournament for players who could help their teams by signing on during the secondary transfer window.

Here are five standout players from the 2025 Gold Cup who have made compelling cases to be on MLS radars:

Ismael Díaz (Panama) – Winger, Universidad Católica (Ecuador)

Panama v Honduras - Gold Cup 2025: Quarter Finals | Omar Vega/GettyImages

Panama’s explosive game-changer on the wing

Ismael Díaz continues to be a difference-maker for Panama on the international stage. The 27-year-old winger has been electric in the 2025 Gold Cup, using his pace, dribbling, and direct approach to terrorize defenders. Díaz scored twice in the group stage and provided key assists in Panama’s run to the quarterfinals.

Already a known quantity from his impactful performances at the 2023 Gold Cup, Díaz’s stock has only risen. His profile is ideal for MLS clubs seeking a dynamic attacker who can stretch defenses and contribute to goals. His versatility, capable of playing on either wing or centrally, adds to his value.  A club like Orlando City or Atlanta United, both of which are seeking more consistency in wide areas, could benefit tremendously from a player like Díaz, who brings both flair and maturity to the final third.

Ismael Díaz 2025 Gold Cup stats

MLS Fit: Explosive, creative wide threat; ideal for clubs needing goal contribution from the flanks.

César Montes (Mexico) – Center Back, CSKA Moscow (Russia)

Mexico v Turkey - International Friendly | Omar Vega/GettyImages

Mexico’s defensive rock ready for a new challenge

Mexico’s César Montes has anchored El Tri’s backline at this tournament with authority. The 28-year-old, who currently plies his trade with CSKA Moscow in the Russian Premier League, has been a calming presence amid the chaos of high-stakes knockout football. Strong in the air, composed on the ball, and tactically disciplined, Montes has the type of leadership MLS backlines often lack.

With CSKA Moscow finishing third at the end of the 2024–25 season and European football not an option for players in Russia right now, Montes could be open to a move, and MLS represents a league that can match his ambition while offering consistent minutes in a competitive environment.

Montes has been fighting for minutes with Maksim Nenakhov and Alexander Silyanov, the two most-used center-backs, which saw him play only sixteen matches. Teams like the LA Galaxy or Inter Miami, who have struggled with defensive stability, should consider investing in a proven international player like Montes to fortify their backlines. Given his age and experience, Montes would bring both short-term reliability and long-term leadership qualities every title-chasing side should prioritize.

César Montes 2025 Gold Cup stats

MLS Fit: Calm, experienced leader at the back; ideal for defensive rebuilds.

Edson Álvarez (Mexico) – Defensive Midfielder, West Ham (England)

Mexico v Costa Rica - Gold Cup 2025 | Ian Maule/GettyImages

The midfield general MLS needs

Edson Álvarez remains one of Concacaf’s premier midfield anchors. The West Ham midfielder has been the beating heart of Mexico’s midfield at the 2025 Gold Cup, controlling tempo, breaking up attacks, and launching counteroffensives. His intelligence, vision, and tenacity have helped Mexico dominate possession and dictate matches.

While Álvarez still has years left on his European contract, rumblings suggest he may be open to a change of scenery if the right project arises. MLS could be that platform, especially for a club like Atlanta United or Toronto FC, which could offer Álvarez a central role and DP-level contract in a league that continues to raise its international profile.

Signing Álvarez would be a massive statement for MLS. He’s in his prime (27), has UEFA Champions League and Premier League experience, and is a leader for Mexico. If there’s even a remote chance of landing him, multiple MLS teams should be making inquiries.

Edson Álvarez 2025 Gold Cup stats

MLS Fit: Elite No. 6 presence; brings tactical discipline and big-match mentality.

Tajon Buchanan (Canada) – Winger, Inter Milan (Italy)

Curaçao v Canada - Gold Cup 2025 | Sebastian Frej/GettyImages

A familiar face with European refinement

Tajon Buchanan continues to be Canada’s sparkplug at major tournaments, and the 2025 Gold Cup has been no different. The former New England Revolution star has added new layers to his game since joining Inter Milan, and it shows. His decision-making, off-ball movement, and composure in the final third have improved dramatically, making him one of the most dangerous wide players in the region.

While it's unlikely Buchanan would leave Europe permanently at this stage, a loan move return to MLS in the future is not out of the question. His recent disappointing loan move only saw him playing 13 matches at Villareal, and space on the wing at Inter Milan remains tight.

If he were open to a move back, even if only to get more minutes heading into the 2026 World Cup, any club with ambition should make room for him. His previous MLS pedigree, combined with his refined European experience, makes him a prime candidate to become an instant fan favorite and difference-maker. Clubs like LAFC, St. Louis City SC, or New York City FC could thrive with Buchanan adding verticality and explosiveness to their attacks.

Tajon Buchanan 2025 Gold Cup stats

MLS Fit: Former MLS standout with European polish; high-impact return would boost any attack.

5. Óscar Santis (Guatemala) – Forward, Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala)

Guadalupe v Guatemala - Gold Cup 2025 | Omar Vega/GettyImages

Guatemala’s hidden gem with breakout potential

One of the Gold Cup’s most pleasant surprises, Guatemala’s Óscar Santis has stepped into the spotlight with some mature, clutch performances. A key figure in Guatemala’s surprising group-stage success, Santis has scored twice and shown a remarkable ability to find space, finish under pressure, and link up with teammates.

Still just 25, Santis represents exactly the kind of undervalued talent MLS clubs should be targeting. He's relatively low-cost, hungry, and boasts significant international upside. His current club, Antigua Guatemala, has a history of selling players abroad, and the time feels right for Santis to test himself in a more competitive environment.

For mid-table MLS teams looking to find that next gem—like Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake, or Charlotte FC—Santis offers the kind of profile that could blossom into a 10-plus goal contributor with proper development and support.