As Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi prepares for his January
move to Chicago Fire, questions have arisen about the potential of using MLS
as a springboard to Europe. Contrary to some perceptions, history shows a
clear and lucrative pathway exists. PSLSA highlights ten significant
transfers from Major League Soccer to top European leagues.
10. Brenner (FC Cincinnati to Udinese)
The Brazilian forward made the jump from Cincinnati to Italian Serie A side
Udinese in 2023 for a fee of €10 million (R198m), just two seasons after
arriving from São Paulo.
9. Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United to Chelsea)
The 19-year-old American fullback, an Atlanta academy product, secured a €10
million (R198m) move to Chelsea in July 2024. He is currently gaining
experience on loan at Watford.
8. Carlos Andrés Gómez (Real Salt Lake to Stade Rennais)
After one standout season in MLS, the Colombian winger was signed by French
Ligue 1’s Stade Rennais in 2023 for a reported €4.5 million and later loaned
to Vasco da Gama.
7. Diego Gómez (Inter Miami to Brighton & Hove Albion)
The Paraguayan international’s strong performances for Inter Miami earned
him a €13 million (R257m) transfer to Premier League side Brighton in
January 2024.
6. Valentín Castellanos (New York City FC to Lazio)
Following a successful loan at Girona, the Argentine striker completed a
permanent €15 million (R297m) move from NYCFC to Italian giants Lazio in
July 2023.
5. Djordje Petrović (New England Revolution to Chelsea)
The Serbian goalkeeper’s impressive form led to a €16 million move to
Chelsea in 2023. After a loan spell, he was sold to Bournemouth for €28.9
million (R572m) in 2024.
4. Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas to Augsburg)
The US international transferred from FC Dallas to German side Augsburg for
roughly €18 million in 2022, before a subsequent €10 million move to PSV
Eindhoven.
3. Jhonder Cádiz (Chicago Fire to Benfica)
Note: The original list referenced Jhon Durán, who moved from Chicago Fire
to Aston Villa. For relevance to Mbokazi’s destination, we highlight a
different Chicago Fire export. Venezuelan striker Jhonder Cádiz used his
time at Chicago Fire (on loan from Benfica) as a showcase, leading to a
permanent move to the Portuguese giants in 2020 before further European
moves.
2. Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United to Newcastle United)
A star of Atlanta’s MLS Cup win, the Paraguayan playmaker sealed a then-club
record €24 million (R475m) transfer to Newcastle United in January 2019.
1. Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps to Bayern Munich)
The standout example. A product of Vancouver’s academy, Davies joined Bayern
Munich at age 19 for a fee up to €22 million. He has since become a global
superstar and UEFA Champions League winner.
This list demonstrates that a move to MLS does not close the door to Europe
but can serve as a visible and profitable platform for ambitious players
like Mbokazi.
