The MLS has attracted some European talent over the years and that should not change this summer. One is already set to go to the MLS, as Giorgio Chiellini will be playing for LAFC. However, he will definitely not be the only one, as there are other out-of-contract players that might be looking to make a move across the pond. There are many options and some could really do it, although there are no rumors of it as of right now. Without further ado, let's look at three European stars who should make the move to the MLS in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Stars that should move to MLS in 2022
Gareth Bale
After a tumultuous season with Real Madrid, the Welsh legend Gareth Bale ended up seeing out his contract with the Spanish club. He left as a European and Spanish champion, but it is now time to figure out what to do. Now that Wales is going to the World Cup, he will definitely look to play, but the question is where. Apparently, his plan is to play until the World Cup and then after the international tournament leave football for good. If he wants to do exactly that, the MLS is perfect. The MLS started earlier this season and the plan is that the season ends just before the World Cup, and if Bale was to sign a one-season deal with someone, it would align with his reported plans.
Now, there are also other reasons why MLS could be good for the Welsh player. He does not have to learn a new language, the level of football is typically lower than in Europe and he would have the chance to prepare for a comeback to European football, should he change his mind about retirement. In the MLS, Bale would likely regain his confidence, earn some money along the road, but also stay competitive and perform better for Wales in the World Cup. The MLS would have a massive player in their ranks, on par with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and could build a ton of its marketing appeal based on Bale being part of the league. It is clearly a win-win situation for all sides involved.
Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria is set to leave PSG this summer and he has already had some discussions with both Juventus and Barcelona. However, the MLS would be perfect for the Argentinian and there are a ton of reasons why. If he was to play for an MLS club, he would be in constant shape and training process until the World Cup, giving him a better chance to be on the Argentina squad when the competition rolls around. Additionally, he would be able to dominate, even at the age of 34, as he still has a ton of his pace and explosiveness. There are also a ton of Argentine players in the MLS, so whichever club Di Maria joins, he would have a teammate that could help him adjust.
Now, it is clear that Di Maria wants to remain in Europe. However, it would work against him, due to the fact that playing consistent minutes in Europe seems too demanding for a player like him. Of course, he is still a great player, but due to his stature and a general lack of physical preparedness, Di Maria could really tarnish his legacy by playing an additional season in Europe. By moving to the MLS, a less demanding league, Di Maria could stay prepared for the World Cup, earn some money, and play in a new culture before likely moving back to Argentina.
Jesse Lingard
It was recently confirmed that Jesse Lingard will definitely not carry on as a Manchester United player. Despite a great loan spell at West Ham United last season, Lingard just could not get the chances he likely deserved at Old Trafford, and now he will be leaving. He will be sought after by British clubs and possibly some European clubs, but if Lingard wants to fight for a spot in the England team for the 2022 World Cup, the MLS is the place to go. There are tons of reasons why, but the two primary ones are his role in any future club and competitiveness.
While there are certain clubs where Lingard would be the man right away, in Europe that is a risk. In the MLS, bar a few clubs with huge stars, Lingard would be the main man. By default, he would get tons of minutes and he would be able to play completely freely, something that really works with his skill set. In terms of competitiveness, as it was mentioned above, the MLS season ends a few weeks before the World Cup. Thus, that means constant, week-in, week-out football for Lingard before the World Cup and a chance to find a spot in that England squad.
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