5 MLS Players Who Would Be Perfect Transfers for European Clubs

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Major League Soccer has quickly turned itself into a selling league.

Often thought of as a retirement home for aging stars, MLS has begun to change that narrative with the European signings of young up-and-coming talent.

Players like Jhon Durán, Gaga Slonina, Paxten Aaronson, Djordje Mihailovic, and more have jumped from MLS to Europe over the winter window.

As the 2023 MLS season progresses, we will see even more players come through that will be ready to make that next step.

Here are five players who would be perfect transfers for European teams.

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If there's any name on this list poised for a fruitful 2023 season, it's Julián Carranza.

Initially transferred from Banfield to Inter Miami in 2019, Carranza was then acquired by the Philadelphia Union in 2022 via trade.

A change of scenery was just the boost the Argentine needed to show off his potential.

In 31 matches for the Union, the 22-year-old scored 14 goals and provided six assists all while leading them to the MLS Cup Final.

He's tough, adept at using his speed and physicality to bully defenders, technically sound and has a relentless engine.

Carranza has all the tools needed to succeed in Europe. If he continues his superb form this season, it's hard to see the Union being able to keep him.

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Though he was sidelined because of injury for most of 2022, Miles Robinson has been a rock at the back for Atlanta United.

Standing at 6'2" and possessing an ideal combination of speed and strength, Robinson has enough MLS minutes under his belt to try his luck in Europe.

He's been linked to a move abroad before, but he's stated in the past he's in no rush to leave. However, his contract with Atlanta is set to expire this year, and he has yet to sign their latest offer.

Now, he may not be quite ready for a top-five league, but perhaps heading to a country like Belgium, the Netherlands or even the English Championship would be an ideal landing spot.

Whatever Robinson decides in the future, there's no denying he's a terrific defender and ready to step up a level.

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Brandon Vazquez is one of the best strikers in MLS.

His 18 goals and eight assists last season saw FC Cincinnati clinch 5th place in the Eastern Conference.

He's strong, quick for his size, intelligent and a solid all-around finisher.

Vazquez also excels at leading a forward line.

His height and movement in the final third make him a threat in the air and a menace to opposition defenders.

His form in 2022 was so good that there were talks about bringing him into the United States men's national team for the FIFA World Cup.

Unfortunately, he didn't get the call-up, but he recently made and scored on his debut with the Stars and Stripes.

The 24-year-old has stated his desire to move to Europe, but there haven't been any concrete offers yet.

Should his excellent form continue in 2023, Vazquez will surely move abroad soon.

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John Tolkin has everything needed in a modern-day fullback.

He attacks with intelligence and defends like a seasoned veteran. Still only 20 years old, Tolkin boasts impressive composure for a young defender.

He's got good defensive anticipation, reads the game well, and has superb tactical awareness. Over the past calendar year, FBref's scouting report has Tolkin in the 99th and 93rd percentile of interceptions and tackles, respectively, among fullbacks within the "Men's Next 8 Competitions" group. This tier includes MLS, Brazilian Série A, Liga MX, Copa Libertadores, the Dutch Eredivisie, English Championship, Portuguese Primeira Liga and UEFA Europa Conference League.

Offensively, while he may not be an out-and-out attacking fullback, he still manages to be very impactful. He's in the Next 8 Competitions' 82nd percentile of shot-creating actions, most of which come from his exceptional deliveries on set pieces.

Tolkin has been linked to European clubs before, but seeing as though he just signed a new contract with the New York Red Bulls, a move abroad may not happen anytime soon.

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Thiago Almada became the first active MLS player to win a World Cup when Argentina lifted the trophy this winter. He might not be in the league much longer, though.

The quintessential playmaker, Almada impressed during his first season in MLS with Atlanta United, scoring six times and assisting seven.

The 21-year-old possesses flair, has fantastic vision, and evades defensive pressure with a sense of calm.

He can play on either wing but excels as a central or attacking midfielder.

The Argentine also led his team in assists and is in the Next 8 Competitions' 94th percentile of shot-creating actions among attacking midfielders and wingers.

Out of all the players on the list, Alamada is the most likely to move to Europe in the next 18 months. His stock is high after the World Cup win, and with Atlanta amid a rebuild, if a sizable offer comes in for the Argentine, it could be difficult for them to say no.