Over the last few years, Major League Soccer has gained more recognition for the talent it develops and sells overseas.
The crown jewel of the string of prospects to move to Europe is Alphonso Davies, who in a quick span has gone from starting for the Vancouver Whitecaps to playing left back for Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final.
Another MLS product, Tyler Adams, scored the game-winning goal to send RB Leipzig into the UCL semifinals.
While the list of players to come through the pipeline are primarily North American, there have been a few to come from South America to MLS to Europe, like Miguel Almiron.
The list of potential transfer targets in MLS fill a few of those categories. There are intriguing young American prospects that have made strides in their development over the last 12 months and electric South American stars that have established themselves as top-tier players, or have potential to be on that level.
Reggie Cannon, FC Dallas
Reggie Cannon appears to be one of the few candidates at the front of the line to be next to move overseas from MLS.
The 22-year-old fullback has been a constant fixture for three seasons in the FC Dallas defense. He has made 67 regular-season appearances for the Western Conference side.
Of the players eligible for the U.S. men’s national team reportedly in line to move, Cannon carries the most international caps. He earned his USMNT debut in October 2018 and has made 10 more appearances for Gregg Berhalter’s side.
The right back is one of the better young two-way players in the league, and he could have an advantage in moving faster since FC Dallas has become a reliable source for young players.
In 2019, FC Dallas transferred Carlos Gruezo to FC Augsburg and sold academy prospect Chris Richards to Bayern Munich.
Brenden Aaronson, Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia had two Americans break out during the MLS is Back tournament, one of whom was Brenden Aaronson. The attacking midfielder had three assists in the tournament as the Union made a run to the semifinals.
Aaronson has been a factor in the Union’s lineup for both of his seasons as an MLS player.
The biggest difference from 2019 to 2020 for the 19-year-old New Jersey native is his physical play on the ball.
Aaronson has been less tentative in the final third throughout his sophomore campaign, which should lead to higher goals and assists totals.
Since he is not the finished product yet, it may be wise for Aaronson to spend the rest of 2020 in MLS to further develop his game before making the jump. Continue reading