Plenty of big name stars have made the move to MLS over the past few years as the league continues to grow through international stars. Who could be next to make the move stateside?
Major League Soccer has seen many stars make the move to the United States’ top flight league over the past few seasons and more could be on the way. Players like Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, David Villa, and Giovani dos Santos are helping bring international fans to the league. They are also pouring their wealth of talent into MLS as each has proven that they can still play at a high level.
The old narrative that MLS is where old stars go to die is still in place today but who cares about narratives right? We can all admit that watching these guys play is fun. Even if a few of them are in their last few years of their career, they have all been able to produce for their clubs. They have also helped financially as more fans come to the games.
Major League Soccer now faces challenges from abroad over the past few years as China and Turkey are attempting to lure big name stars to their leagues with big paychecks. The Chinese Super League and the Turkish Super Lig are spending outrageous amounts of money to sign these aging superstars.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
Being in the United States, Major League Soccer has a distinct advantage over other leagues around the world. Many interactional players would rather player in the USA and not Turkey or China. Whether it be the language barrier, the money, or even outside of soccer opportunities, old stars are coming to these leagues. The MLS will surely sign some big name players but which guys could exactly make the move in the next few seasons?
Zlatan Ibrohimovic
Ibrahimovic is likely the biggest name on the list. He was heavily linked to Major League Soccer and to the LA Galaxy. Those plans seemed real enough until the striker signed a one-year deal with Manchester United. Even in his advanced of of 34, Zlatan said that he wants to play until he is 40. A move to MLS could still be in his future if he decides to play for that long.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney isn’t who he once was back in his prime. That is clear from watching him play with Manchester United and England but he still has loads of talent. The English International is only 30-years old. Bringing him to the United States would have a huge impact on soccer in the country. It is unlikely that MLS could offer up the same amount of money that the Chinese Super League could but he is an english speaking player and that could lean him towards joining Major League Soccer. Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world. Rooney’s popularity would hit an all-time high with Americans with a move to Major League Soccer.
John Terry
John Terry was earlier linked with a move to MLS but he instead signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Chelsea for the 2016-2017 season. The 35-year old center back could still move stateside next year or in a few seasons. One problem would be Terry’s wages as most MLS’ teams don’t want to use a designated player spot on a defender, especially one that is as old as John. It will be interesting but I think this move could definitely happen in the near future.
Brad Guzan
The United States’ international played in MLS from 2005-2008. He won the Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2007 with Chivas USA. There were rumors of him making the move to MLS this summer but he instead signed with newly promoted Middlesbrough. He will likely follow fellow USMNT goalkeeper, Tim Howard, who moved to MLS this year. The 31-year old will make the move stateside eventually before his career is over. His link to the league and the United States makes the move inevitable. It is just a matter of time.
More from MLS News
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- The Chicago Fire does not deserve your support anymore
- Heading to America: Alexis Sanchez Aims for New Horizons in American or Mexican Soccer
- Ethan Horvath: The Bridge Between Two Worlds in Soccer
Andres Guardado
Guardado has been one of Mexico’s best talents over the past decade. Earlier this year, Andreas was linked to Atlanta United FC. The team is set to begin play in MLS in 2017. The 29-year old midfielder currently plays for PSV in the Netherlands. A move to Major League Soccer would give him the opportunity to play closer to his home country of Mexico. With plenty of Mexican soccer fans in the United States that would love to see Guardado come to MLS.
Yaya Toure
The Manchester City midfielder could make the move to MLS soon as he’s reportedly eyed a move to North America. Toure prefers a move to the United States over a move to China. The 33-year old is still a great football who has plenty of skill and talent. Yaya would be a huge signing for Major League Soccer if a deal can be made. The Ivory Coast International would likely earn more if he transferred to a Chinese club but a move stateside is more likely.
Next: Jack McBean Loaned to Coventry City
It will be interesting to see if any of these stars make the move to Major League Soccer in the next few years. Multiple media outlets have linked these players to one or more MLS’ clubs so a move to the league could be soon for any of them. Who would you like to see make the move stateside?