MLS: No longer a retirement league
Major League Soccer has continued to grow in popularity and skill level. European stars, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Theirry Henry, have consistently come to the MLS in the twilight of their careers. More recently, there has been a more significant influx of European stars coming to the MLS than the occasional one or two, significantly increasing fans’ interest and improving the quality of play. If the trend continues, the MLS will no longer be seen as a retirement league.
Federico Bernardeschi (Getty Images)
New stars have come recently to the MLS, including Gareth Bale and Federico Bernardeschi. Bale and Bernardeschi are somewhat head-scratching moves since many believe they still have a lot to give and could still play at the highest level in Europe. Bale is 33 years old, which might be slightly older for a winger, but if he really had the passion to continue playing in Europe, I am sure a club would have taken a chance on him.
Bernardeschi, on the other hand, is only 28 years old and finished his fifth season with the Italian giant Juventus. He was getting a decent amount of game time and could have gone to a lesser European club to get more. But instead, he decided to come to the MLS and play for Toronto FC.
Riqui Puig (MLS Soccer)
One of the most surprising moves to MLS centers around one of FC Barcelona’s young stars, Riqui Puig. Puig is set to transfer to LA Galaxy, which is a fantastic signing. Puig will turn 23 years old on August 13, which is incredibly young for someone to move from Europe to the MLS.
Puig was left off the squad for their preseason tour, which confirmed that he was not in Xavi’s plans for this upcoming season. It seemed logical to assume that he would be loaned or sold to a lower-level Spanish team. To make the jump to the US is quite remarkable and exciting for MLS soccer and its fans to watch such a young and talented player. The MLS might become a breeding ground for young European stars to work on their deficiencies and find their way back to Europe.