With the Major League Soccer July mini-tournament now underway, the best players the competition has to offer are currently on show. The question is, which of those players is likely to move from MLS across the Atlantic to join one of the European clubs?
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You can look at the latest odds on which players will transfer to the major clubs abroad. Those that do move will undoubtedly make more money from their career; hopefully, your bet will bring you a smaller but welcome financial reward.
Usually, the direction of player trade between America’s top league and Europe is one that sees the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger or Zlatan Ibrahimovic move across the pond in the latter phase of their careers.
However, the MLS’ conveyor belt of talent is churning out a decent level of production at present, and with that in mind, it’s time to look at the players who could make a European transition in the next year or two. A group that is otherwise known as the ‘Magnificent Seven.’
João Paulo – Seattle Sounders
After spending three years at the Brazilian club Botafogo, the 29-year-old is now arguably at the peak of his career. With January’s move to Seattle taking place, much is expected of him at CenturyLink Field. Critics might argue that he is perhaps too old for a move to Europe and that his most significant opportunity has now passed. However, the MLS will undoubtedly offer a much bigger spotlight, and it could potentially propel his career even further.
Alexandru Mitrita – New York City FC
Due to his Romanian nationality, Mitrita knows what it is like to play in Europe. With a stint in the lower reaches of the Italian game, the 25-year-old already has displayed a nomadic side of his career. Although his career has gone in the opposite direction to many, the fact that he is now at New York City and will therefore be part of the same network as England’s Manchester City means his stock has already seen a recent increase.
Jordan Morris – Seattle Sounders
Another Sounder makes the list, and at 25 years of age, Jordan Morris may just offer more in the way of return on investment. If any European clubs are looking to snare some Seattle based talent, he would most likely be the one.
The attacking midfielder has been based in Seattle all his professional career, and who knows if his feet are starting to get itchy. While even if they are not, last season’s tally of 13 goals has now placed him on the radar of many European clubs.
Gastón Giménez – Chicago Fire
This Argentinian has only recently made a move to the MLS. After an impressive set of performances for former club Vélez Sarsfield, his new Chicago based employers will be hoping for more of the same. However, they won’t want him to become too good, while if he continues to impress, the 28-year-old may be soon whisked away to Europe and be given the stage to show off his talents to an even bigger audience.
Alan Pulido – Sporting Kansas City
The first genuine forward on the list. And when you look at Pulido’s output at his previous club, you can understand why Sporting KC decided to snare the 29-year-old from Mexico and the clutches of Guadalajara.
A return of 12 goals from 18 games last season shows that Pulido knows where the danger area is, and if he keeps this run going in the MLS, he may follow the footsteps of compatriot Javier Hernández and land a move to Europe.
Josef Martínez – Atlanta United
This Venezuelan has a litany of European experience behind him. After playing for the likes of Italian outfit Torino and the Swiss club Thun, many felt that the 27-year-old’s move to the MLS and the link-up with Atlanta was the end of his European tour.
It could be looked on as such, or it could be regarded as Martínez taking a small hiatus. With 28 goals to his name in 2019, any repeat of that form in 2020 will undoubtedly see another European suitor ready to acquire his services.
Eduard Atuesta – Los Angeles FC
At 23 years of age, Atuesta is the youngest player on the list and, therefore, has arguably the most to offer any European outfit looking for a central midfielder in the next 12 months. Then again, he will undoubtedly have something to offer Los Angeles FC in 2020.
The Colombian has just started his third season with the LA-based franchise, and with 32 appearances last year, it is clear that he is such an essential part of a team that is still aiming to land its first-ever MLS Cup trophy.