MLS: 3 teams with wonderful model for success

1. Atlanta United

Atlanta United changed the league as much as any other expansion team in MLS’ entire existence. Despite only being in their fourth year of competitive play, the Five Stripes attacked MLS with a very clear and defined plan, one that has been extremely successful.

Their strategy is quite simple: invest heavily in young talent that can then be sold on for profit, primarily from South America. Miguel Almiron, Ezequiel Barco, Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martinez, Josef Martinez. They all arrived in big-money transfers, but with the intention that a profit would be made on their sale when the time comes.

Almiron has already made the European switch. Barco and Pity are expected to do the same in the coming years as they progress. MLS is viewed as stepping stone, a place for these players to advertise themselves. Atlanta have taken advantage of that, embraced the fact that they are a part of selling league — something commissioner Don Garber was always hesitant to concede — and built their team around it.

Others are now copying this approach. LAFC, Inter Miami, even, SKC, D.C. and Columbus have all invested in South American and Mexican talent. Atlanta United were the trailblazers. Their model has proven successful.