MLS has evolved into a selling league, and like most such leagues, it is difficult to categorize every transfer as either a success or a failure. Below, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 players who made the move to Europe and significantly contributed to elevating the MLS’s reputation in Europe’s top leagues.
As Major League Soccer enters its 30th year in 2025, the league has transformed from being a perceived “soccer graveyard” for once-prominent players into a springboard for young North and South Americans looking to make a jump to Europe.
While the notion of selling top talents abroad is not new to MLS — it dates back to 1997 — the league has seen many successful player transfers over recent years. Below, we highlight 15 key MLS-to-Europe transfers that showcase how far the league has come in terms of reputation and talent.
Tajon Buchanan
A versatile player, Tajon Buchanan was a steady performer for the New England Revolution, scoring 12 goals and recording 11 assists in 67 games. His $7 million transfer to Club Brugge saw him add 12 assists and five goals in 67 matches. Now, Buchanan has moved up the soccer ranks with a transfer to Inter Milan.
Thiago Almada
The only active MLS player to have been part of a World Cup-winning squad, Thiago Almada had flashes of brilliance with Atlanta United, but unfortunately, the Five Stripes weren’t at their best. Almada eventually sought a new challenge and moved to Botafogo in Brazil, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2024. Now, he is set to move to Europe with French side Lyon.
Brian McBride
Brian McBride gained attention in England after successful loan stints at Preston North End and Everton while with the Columbus Crew. Fulham was the club that finally signed him, and McBride delivered with 33 goals in 140 Premier League games.
Ricardo Pepi
Though still early in his career, Ricardo Pepi’s move from FC Dallas to Germany didn’t go as planned. However, his time at PSV Eindhoven has been a reminder that MLS produces players who can succeed at top clubs. Pepi’s future is now being speculated, with rumors suggesting Liverpool might be interested in the talented striker.
Brad Friedel
One of several notable USMNT goalkeepers to have played in both MLS and Europe, Brad Friedel joined the Columbus Crew in 1996 from Galatasaray after struggling to land a work permit to stay in Europe. After a season and change with the Crew, Friedel made a $2 million move to Liverpool, and he would go on to enjoy a stellar career with Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur, playing into his 40s.
Jack Harrison
Jack Harrison went from the Manchester United academy to the United States as a teenager, and played college soccer at Wake Forest. He’d find his way onto NYCFC, which led to a contract with Manchester City. After a few loan stints, he’d find his home at Leeds United, flourishing under Marcelo Bielsa. Harrison currently plays for Everton, becoming one of the more unique exports from MLS.
Tim Ream
Tim Ream impressed with the New York Red Bulls, showcasing his talent as a ball-playing center back with great positioning. A $3 million transfer to Bolton Wanderers followed, and after four seasons, he became a Fulham legend, making 312 appearances over nine seasons with the club.
Tim Howard
Tim Howard’s standout performances with MetroStars led to a move to Manchester United, where he had his ups and downs, but still managed to win Premier League Goalkeeper of the Year. His decade-long love affair with Everton saw him defend the team’s goal for over 400 games.
Jhon Durán
Jhon Durán may be one of the most talented players to have graced MLS, but his time in the league was brief. After excelling on a poor Chicago Fire side, Durán moved to Aston Villa in a $22 million transfer. In MLS, he netted 8 goals in 26 games, while in the Premier League, he has scored 20 in 74 appearances.
Michael Bradley
Michael Bradley might be one of the greatest steals in American soccer history. After impressing with the struggling MetroStars, Dutch club Heerenveen paid just $250,000 for him, and he scored 19 goals in 40 games during his second season. Bradley’s European journey took him through Borussia Monchengladbach, Aston Villa, Chievo Verona, Roma, and then back to MLS with Toronto FC in a high-profile move.
Stern John
Before the era of Designated Players, Stern John was a prolific goal scorer for Columbus Crew, netting 44 goals in 55 games before moving to Nottingham Forest for $2 million. John enjoyed a long career in England with clubs like Birmingham City, Coventry City, and Southampton.
Miguel Almirón
Miguel Almirón was a dynamic presence in MLS for Atlanta United, where he scored 21 goals and recorded 21 assists in 62 matches. After a near $24 million move to Newcastle United, Almirón faced some ups and downs but has established a solid career, scoring 23 goals in 184 games for the club.
Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey’s transfer to Fulham is one of the best in MLS history. He became a Fulham legend and was the first American to score 50 Premier League goals while at Tottenham Hotspur, and later returned to MLS with Seattle Sounders. To many, Dempsey is the greatest American Soccer player of all time.
Taty Castellanos
Taty Castellanos is one of the most unique stories in MLS history. Arriving from Montevideo City Torque of Uruguay, a club that is not among the top South American sides, Castellanos won the MLS Golden Boot, earned a spot on the Argentine national team, and eventually moved to Lazio for a reported $15 million. Castellanos is proof that MLS can serve as a significant stepping stone for players.
Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies made headlines when he was sold from Vancouver Whitecaps to Bayern Munich for a reported $22 million fee. Since then, he has become one of the best exports in MLS history, winning 13 titles with the German club, including the UEFA Champions League. He is regarded as one of the best full backs in the world, and at just 24, Davies is already a poster boy for MLS and what it can do in the world market. During his time in MLS, he scored 12 goals in 81 matches.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Adams, Diego Rossi, Diego Gómez, Brenden Aaronson, Facundo Torres, and Paxten Aaronson.
