By James NaltonThough they are the main attraction, there is plenty going on in MLS aside from Messi and Miami in 2025 as the league celebrates its 30th season, adding another new team and also a new internal transfer mechanism which has spiced things up ahead of the new campaign.Levelling upLA Galaxy won the MLS Cup last season after triumphing in the end-of-season playoffs just over two months ago, but they head into 2025 without star player Riqui Puig due to a long-term injury and goal-getter Dejan Joveljić who joined Sporting Kansas City.The defending champions also saw Jalen Neal, Mark Delgado, and MLS Cup final MVP Gastón Brugman move to other teams in the off-season, primarily to help them remain under the salary cap, especially after having paid bonuses for winning the MLS Cup.This opens up the door for other teams to catch up, which ultimately is what MLS’s various roster control mechanisms are designed to do.Inter Miami will hope they can take full advantage of this and of Messi’s time in the league by claiming the biggest prize this time around. They have pandered to the Argentine star, appointing his former international teammate Javier Mascherano as head coach while his former academy coach at Barcelona, Guillermo Hoyos, has been promoted to a key sporting direction role.They’ll have plenty of competition for the MLS title in 2025, with numerous teams tending to their rosters in an attempt to increase their own chances of a successful season.Supporters’ Shield Top 6, 2024 seasonCash rules everything around MLSIn parts of MLS, it is almost as if a refresh button has been pressed ahead of 2025. Not only is there a new franchise in the shape of San Diego FC, but many teams across the league are rebuilding without their best players from the previous year, with some moving to Europe or South America, but others to teams within the league.Some of this rebuilding has been facilitated by the league’s introduction of cash for player trades — as opposed to having to rely solely on the league’s own, limited internal currency called allocation money as was previously the case.Players traded in this manner so far include Jack McGlynn from Philadelphia Union to Houston Dynamo and the aforementioned Joveljić transfer from Galaxy to Sporting KC.FC Cincinnati lost its best player and 2023 MLS MVP Luciano Acosta, who joined FC Dallas in this manner, but Cincy are arguably stronger going into 2025 thanks to the signings of Kévin Denkey who scored prolifically for Cercle Brugge and Evander from Portland Timbers.Evander himself was one of the best players in MLS last season and will be a big miss for the Western Conference side coached by Phil Neville.FotMob’s top rated players in MLS, 2024 seasonNew namesWhile the introduction of cash-for-player trades has led to a more headline-grabbing internal transfer market, MLS has also been bringing in players from outside the league. The 2025 off-season has already witnessed the most money ever spent by MLS clubs in a transfer window and the primary transfer window stays open until April 23, so there is still time for more spending.Some of the bigger names to join MLS so far this season include Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to the New York Red Bulls and Wilfried Zaha to Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC. Atlanta United broke the league’s incoming transfer record when they spent $22 million on Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough, while they’ve also brought back Miguel Almirón who starred for their MLS Cup-winning team in 2018 before moving to Newcastle. It’s a real statement of intent from the team who have also appointed a new head coach in the shape of another former MLS Cup winner, Ronny Deila.Other head coach moves include former USMNT managers Bruce Arena and Gregg Berhalter joining San Jose Earthquakes and Chicago Fire respectively, and former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg taking charge at St. Louis City.A new teamOn top of all the above arrivals, new players including Hirving Lozano, Anders Dreyer, and former Manchester United youth Paddy McNair will all be joining the league’s new team, San Diego FC.The introduction of this fourth Californian team means MLS is now at 30 teams with 15 in each conference. It makes it one of the biggest leagues in the world when it comes to the number of teams, and many will be involved in various cup competitions in 2025, including the domestic US Open Cup to the Concacaf Champions Cup.FavouritesThe two Los Angeles teams finished level on points at the top of the Western Conference last season before LA Galaxy went on to win the playoffs. Both will hope to maintain that level, while Seattle Sounders also look strong and some have tipped Eric Ramsay’s Minnesota United as possible dark horses.Over in the East, Atlanta’s strengthening should see them challenge at the top end of the table again, while Ohioans Columbus Crew and Cincinnati will be hoping to remain in the mix. The Crew suffered a big blow when their best player Cucho Hernández moved to Real Betis, but will hope the style of play under Wilfried Nancy will see them continue to be one of the league’s best teams. If Zaha can find his Palace Premier League form, Charlotte might also be one to look out for.Indeed much of what happens in MLS this season will depend on how effective the new players and coaches are for their respective teams, and how quickly they settle. In this regard, there is much to look out for across the 30-team league entering its 30th season.(Cover Image from IMAGO)You can follow every match from MLS live this season with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.