No longer just a 'retirement league', plenty of leading stars are considering moving to the U.S. at the peak of their powers
Lionel Messi's 2023 transfer to Inter Miami has changed the landscape of MLS forever; no longer viewed as a 'retirement league', clubs in the U.S. are now challenging for the signatures of some of the biggest names on the planet while they are still at the peak of their powers.
Saudi Arabia will provide stiff competition as the go-to, desirable destination outside of European football, but the effect of capturing the greatest player in the modern era – and arguably of all time – is already clear to see.
But who are the stars who could be next to follow Messi to MLS while still at the very top of the game? GOAL runs through the possibilities…
(C)GettyImagesAntoine Griezmann
Let's start with the obvious. Griezmann is a veritable Yankophile and has put on record on multiple occasions his desire to live and work in the United States in the future. An avid American sports fan, the Frenchman even hosts a Spanish-language YouTube show about American football – NFL's Grizi Huddle.
Now 33, you'd think a move stateside wouldn't be too far away now, although Griezmann is in the form of his life in Spain with Atletico Madrid. Speaking in December, he said: "Beyond Europe, what I would like later is the MLS, I have always recognised that. But Atletico will be almost 100 percent my last club in Europe. It's where I want to be, where I see myself happiest and here I am at home."
AdvertisementGettyChristian Pulisic
Pulisic's homecoming would be a great thing for American soccer, although it's unclear exactly when the star of the U.S. men's national team will be willing to leave Europe behind to return to the States. Indeed, the 25-year-old clearly feels he has unfinished business across the Atlantic as he stars for AC Milan, suggesting last year that he will probably only head to MLS for his swansong.
Speaking on Tim Ream’s 'The American Dream' podcast about playing in MLS and a potential timeline, the attacker said: "Absolutely, I’d love to. Not in the, you know, near-near future for sure, but yeah, I absolutely would love to. Towards the end of my career, I’d love to."
Pulisic added in January: "Obviously, I’m not an old player. I hopefully have some great years in Europe ahead of me. I’m loving my time here, so of course MLS is not in my head at the moment."
Getty ImagesKevin De Bruyne
Could one of the greatest attacking midfielders of all time one day grace MLS? Although he hasn't spoken publicly about it, a move to the U.S. is supposedly something De Bruyne is thinking about.
According to , the Belgian has always considered finishing his career in MLS, and he would potentially prefer that over a touted move to Saudi Arabia for himself and his family, even if the money is worse.
De Bruyne's future at Manchester City is uncertain, too, with his contract due to expire in 2025 and no talks over an extension, with the club reluctant to hand a multi-year deal to a player who will turn 33 in June. It is said City would sell if their £90 million ($114m) valuation is met, although that may be a little steep for MLS clubs.
(C)GettyImagesOlivier Giroud
Giroud feels almost nailed-on to become the next star of European football to make the switch to MLS – potentially joining long-time France team-mate Hugo Lloris at LAFC.
When asked about a potential move stateside in January, the striker said: "MLS? There are other countries too. There will be more opportunities at the end of the season and I’ll decide. As a father and as a footballer."
Since then, the Los Angeles club has made its move, engaging in negotiations with the Frenchman – who has supposedly chosen to live in either New York or LA – over a summer move. The 37-year-old is out of contract at AC Milan at the end of the season and would arrive as a free agent as talks progress. There is, however, still the possibility he could extend his stay at San Siro, as he enjoys another fine season in Italy.
