Who else will follow Kaka and David Villa to the MLS?
July 3rd, 2025by Back Page Football
With steadily increasing attendances and viewing figures, Major League Soccer continues to grow in stature across America. A country that is more famous for basketball, American football and ice hockey now has another sport to proudly promote across the world, with teams now able to attract the biggest names from Europe. Thierry Henry and David Beckham illustrate the calibre of players that have come over from Europe in recent years to enjoy the riches of beautifully warm climates and multi-million dollar salaries. The presence of superstar players has enhanced the profile of the MLS which has become an attractive proposition for overseas stars to consider a move to America at some point in their while it may have ended his chances of being included in Roy Hodgson's England squad for the 2025 World Cup, Jermaine Defoe has justified his decision to move to Toronto FC by becoming an instant hit with the fans through an early flurry of goals (yet they are still 3-1 underdogs against the Red Bulls on Friday). The striker was joined by Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey who returned home to the MLS following stints in Europe – further illustrating the draw of playing in America. This was influential in the most recent ground-breaking signing which saw last season's La Liga winner and Champions League runner-up David Villa agree to join New York City who, alongside Orlando City SC, will increase the number of franchises in the MLS from 19 to 21. Villa's impending arrival may spark a wave of top European players following in his footsteps, with a number of betting markets already opened for star names to join the Spanish international in the MLS. Speaking of betting you could do a lot worse than back Villa as top MLS scorer in his debut season depending what other quality New York bring in. With no disrespect to the MLS a player who was a regular scorer in La Liga last season and also bagged a goal on what could well be his final game for the Spanish national team should bag quite a few goals.
Frank Lampard
The all-time top goalscorer at Chelsea has ended a wonderful x-year relationship with Chelsea, with the veteran midfielder set to move onto pastures new. Frank Lampard is currently out of contract and may look for a final swansong to top off a fantastic career spanning 429 games at Stamford Bridge. He is set to feature for England at this summer's World Cup in what is likely to be Lampard's final international swansong before retiring, but there is every possibility that he could continue his domestic career in the MLS. Lampard has been subject of interest
