by In last January’s transfer window, 33 Major League Soccer players left for Europe. Europe’s top clubs are increasingly looking to US soccer in search of a star who, thanks to the American season ending in December, is ready to hit the ground running once they arrive.
And after a season that attracted more transatlantic attention than ever thanks to Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami, several MLS stars will have caught the eye of Europe’s elite.
It was a surprise when Almada landed in MLS in December 2021, rather than opting for a move to a European giant. The Argentine attacking midfielder became the most expensive signing in the history of the US top division when he joined Atlanta United from Vélez Sarsfield in a deal worth $16m.
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But Almada, who will win the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, has made no secret of his desire to eventually move to Europe. “I want to finish the season first and then think about the future,” he said in November. “In January I will look at my options. It’s my dream to play in Europe and I hope it comes true.”
Ajax were reportedly close to signing the 22-year-old last summer, and after another impressive season – he scored 11 goals and provided 16 assists in the 2023 MLS season, adding to his six goals and seven assists initial campaign – the interest of Europe. in Almada will only strengthen. He finished the most recent MLS season in the 99th percentile in shot creation activities, progressive passes, successful receptions, shots, passes, assists and potential assists, making him the most coveted January award in the US market.
European clubs looking for a proven goalscorer who can make a quick impact will find an ideal candidate in Bouanga Los Angeles FC.
The France-born Gabon international spent most of his career in the French top-flight – which included spells with Lorient, Nîmes and Saint-Étienne – before making a $5m move on stage in the summer of 2022. The Gabonese striker, who turned 29 in November, was in the best form of his career for LA last season. Returning 20 goals in 31 games for the MLS Cup runners-up, he earned the league’s Golden Boot.
Despite his success in the US, reports in France suggest Bouanga is keen to return to Europe this winter for “family reasons”, with interest from clubs in Ligue 1, La Liga and Serie A. He asked about A possible European move after December’s MLS Cup loss to Crewe Columbus, Bouanga admitted: “There’s a chance, yeah.”
Following Brazilian Brenner’s $10m move to Udinese in mid-season, another FC Cincinnati striker could be Europe-bound.
USMNT forward Vázquez enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2022, scoring 18 MLS goals to earn an All-Star berth and a spot on the league’s Best XI at the end of the season. Despite Cincy earning the top seed in the East and a run to the Conference Finals in 2023, last season was a downturn in personal productivity for the 25-year-old, who scored nine times and provided two assists in 33 appearances.
That hasn’t deterred Vázquez’s European suitors, however, and Premier League side Brentford are said to be weighing up a January swoop for the powerful centre-forward.
A versatile attacker who can play on either wing or in the middle, Facundo Torres has impressed since his move from his native Peñarol in Uruguay to Orlando City in 2022 – so much so that Arsenal were reportedly weighing up the 23-year-old ‘age last January. , and Ajax have been named as possible suitors recently.
And interest in Torres will only have grown thanks to an impressive 2023 campaign that saw the dynamic winger increase his goalscoring output, netting 14 times in MLS, topping his tally of nine goals. previous season.
A move to Europe for Torres is a matter of when, rather than if, but a long-term contract extension penned in March will ensure Orlando can command a hefty fee for their star asset.
Mile Robin, center back, Atlanta United
USMNT center back Robinson is set to be a free agent by the time the transfer window opens in January, with his Atlanta United contract set to expire on December 31. At 26 years of age and with 27 senior international appearances to his credit, he will be one of the most attractive MLS targets for European sides looking to strengthen at the back.
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A torn Achilles cost Robinson a place at the 2022 World Cup, but the impressive defender eased any concerns about his future fitness last season by making 29 MLS starts for the Five Stripes.
PSV fans know. The Dutch side are believed to be keen to add Robinson to the US talent pool at the Philips Stadion which already includes Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi. PSV sporting director former US international Earnie Stewart has confirmed his club’s interest.
“It’s been on our list for a while, along with a few others, so it’s right,” Stewart ESPN said. “There was contact, but not only with him. I have contact with some players, because that’s my job. He can play well with space in his back. I also saw with the United States national team that you just don’t get over it.”
Cucho Hernández, forward, Columbus Crew
Hernández has been a revelation since joining Columbus Crew from Watford a year and a half ago. Always regarded as a great talent, the Colombian striker was unable to set down roots at Vicarage Road, making just 20 league appearances for the Hornets between three separate loan spells in Spain.
A $10m signing for the Crew in July 2022, Hernández immediately looked at home in MLS, coming off the bench to make a scoring debut against the Chicago Fire. With 30 goals in 51 appearances to date, the 24-year-old has been key to Columbus’ recent success, named in this season’s MLS Best XI and earned MLS Cup MVP.
But with just four senior appearances left for Colombia, it may not be long before Hernández starts to wonder if a return to Europe is necessary to further his international career.
