January transfer window: the MLS stars European clubs should target

IDuring last January's transfer window, 33 players left Major League Soccer for Europe. Top European clubs are increasingly looking to American football in search of stars who, thanks to the American season ending in December, are ready to hit the ground running when they arrive.

And after a season that attracted more transatlantic attention than ever before thanks to Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami, several MLS stars will have caught the attention of Europe's elite.

Thiago Almada, midfielder, Atlanta United

It was somewhat of a surprise when Almada ended up in MLS in December 2021, instead of opting to move to a European giant. The Argentine attacking midfielder became the most expensive signing in the history of the American top division when he joined Atlanta United from Vélez Sarsfield in a contract worth $16 million.

But Almada, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, has not hidden his desire for a possible move to Europe. “I want to finish the season first and then think about the future,” he said in November. “In January I will see what my options are. It is my dream to play in Europe and I hope it comes true.”

Ajax were reportedly close to signing the 22-year-old last summer, and after another impressive season – scoring 11 goals and providing 16 assists in the 2023 MLS campaign, in addition to the six goals and seven assists from his debut season – European interest in Almada will only have increased. He finished last MLS season in the 99th percentile in shot creation, progressive passing, successful take-ons, shots, passes, assists and expected assists, making him the most sought-after January prize on the US market.

Dennis Bouanga, forward, LAFC

European clubs looking for a proven goalscorer who can make an impact quickly will find Los Angeles FC's Bouanga an ideal candidate.

The French-born Gabon international spent the majority of his career in the French top flight – including spells at Lorient, Nîmes and Saint-Étienne – before completing a $5 million move to the United States in the summer of 2022. The Gabonese striker, who turned 29 in November, was in the best form of his career for LA last season. His return of 20 goals in 31 games for second place in the MLS Cup saw him take the league's Golden Boot.

Despite its success in the US, messages in France suggests Bouanga is keen to return to Europe this winter for “family reasons”, with interest from Ligue 1, La Liga and Serie A clubs. Asked about a possible European transfer in the wake of December's MLS Cup defeat to Columbus Crew, Bouanga admitted: “It's a possibility, yes.”

Brandon Vazquez, forward, FC Cincinnati

Following the mid-season transfer of Brazilian Brenner to Udinese, a new FC Cincinnati striker could be heading to Europe.

USMNT forward Vázquez had a breakout campaign in 2022, scoring 18 MLS goals to earn an All-Star berth and a place in the league's end-of-season Best XI. Despite Cincy earning the top seed in the East and advancing to the Conference Finals in 2023, this past season marked a decline in personal productivity for the 25-year-old, who scored nine times and provided two assists in 33 appearances.

However, that has not deterred Vázquez's European candidates from the Premier League team Brentford said he was considering a plunge in January for the powerful centre-forward.

Facundo Torres, forward, Orlando City

Facundo Torres is a versatile attacker who can play on the wing or centrally. He has impressed since moving to Orlando City from Peñarol in his native Uruguay in 2022 – so much so that Arsenal were reportedly considering a move for the 23-year-old last January. , while Ajax were recently mentioned as potential candidates.

And interest in Torres will only have grown after an impressive season in 2023, which saw the dynamic winger increase his goal tally and score 14 times in the MLS, up from the previous season's total of nine goals.

A European move for Torres is a matter of when, rather than if, but a long-term contract extension penned in March will ensure Orlando can command a significant fee for their top signing.

Miles Robinson, center back, Atlanta United

USMNT centre-back Robinson is expected to be a free agent by the time the January transfer window opens, while his contract with Atlanta United expires on December 31. At 26 years old and with 27 senior international appearances, he will be one of the most attractive MLS targets for European sides looking to strengthen at the back.

A ruptured Achilles tendon cost Robinson a place in the 2022 World Cup, but the imposing defender put to rest any concerns about his future fitness last season by making 29 MLS starts for the Five Stripes.

PSV are well-known admirers. The Dutch side are believed to be keen to add Robinson to a pool of American talent at the Philips Stadium, which also includes Sergiño Dest, Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi. PSV's sporting director, former American international Earnie Stewart, has confirmed his club's interest.

“He's been on our list for a while, along with a number of others, so that makes sense,” says Stewart told ESPN. “There has been contact, but not only with him. I have contact with several players, because that is my job. He can play well with space in his back. I also saw with the United States national team that you don't just let him pass you by.”

Cucho Hernández, Forward, Columbus crew

Hernández has been a revelation since joining Columbus Crew from Watford a year and a half ago. The Colombian striker was always considered a standout talent and never managed to establish himself at Vicarage Road. He made just 20 league appearances for the Hornets between three separate loan spells in Spain.

After signing a $10 million contract for the Crew in July 2022, Hernández looked right at home in the MLS, coming off the bench to make a scoring debut against Chicago Fire. With 30 goals in 51 appearances so far, the 24-year-old has been crucial to Columbus' recent success. He was named to this season's MLS Best XI and earned the MLS Cup MVP.

But with just four more senior appearances for Colombia, it may not be long before Hernández begins to wonder whether a return to Europe is necessary to continue his international career.