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LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls & Chicago Fire Pursue $3 Million-Rated MLS Talent

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 10:00 PM ET

The Major League Soccer season has come to an end, and clubs are already preparing for 2026. Such is the case for the LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, and Chicago Fire.

After Inter Miami's victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Dec. 6, the 2025 season concluded, but all MLS clubs are already working behind the scenes to best prepare for the next campaign.

The New York Red Bulls are about to enter a "new era" and in recent days have been linked to players such as Chivas' Cade Cowell, Minnesota United's Dayne St. Clair, and USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

The current news for the Los Angeles Galaxy, on the other hand, revolves more around the now very close return of Riqui Puig. Coach Greg Vanney expects the Catalan to be key in the 2026 season, as he already was in 2024 when they won their sixth MLS Cup.

These clubs have in common, along with the Chicago Fire, that they have shown interest in one of the best midfielders in MLS to reinforce their roster, according to a recent report.

Emeka Eneli #14 of Real Salt Lake runs with the ball during the MLS match between Real Salt Lake and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at America First Field on May 24, 2025, in Sandy, Utah.Photo by Laura Lee - Real Salt Lake/MLS via Getty Images

LA Galaxy, NY Red Bulls & Chicago Fire Interested in Real Salt Lake's Emeka Eneli

According to Ole, both the LA Galaxy, the NY Red Bulls, and the Chicago Fire have shown interest in signing Real Salt Lake midfielder Emeka Eneli.

Eneli, 26, was an instant revelation for RSL since his selection in the 2023 Draft, and in the last two seasons, he has been a key piece for his club.

"Around 10 MLS clubs have expressed interest in acquiring the Real Salt Lake midfielder," noted the cited outlet. "Teams like the New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy, and Chicago Fire have already shown interest in him in the past. They are expected to join the list of teams that have called Real Salt Lake to secure his services."

The same report notes that negotiations between RSL and Eneli for a contract extension have not progressed, which has caused the cited franchises and others to be attentive to the situation of the Lansing, Michigan, native.

According to Transfermarkt, Eneli has a current market value of 2.5 million euros, around $3 million. His contract with Real Salt Lake runs until Dec. 31, 2028, with an option to extend for one more year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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