7 MLS players who could follow Davies' big-money move to Europe
Vancouver Whitecaps star Alphonso Davies' blockbuster move to Bavarian behemoth Bayern Munich set the standard by which all future MLS departures will be measured.
The reported $13.5-million fee (USD), that could balloon to $22 million with performance-related bonuses, paid for the prodigious Canadian teenage talent tops the $10 million Villarreal shelled out for Jozy Altidore in 2008. After the current Toronto FC man, the amounts tabled for other players relocating from the North American top flight have been meager in comparison to the often lavish prices attached to footballers abroad.
Formerly a final destination at the tail end of a European career, MLS' quality has improved of late due to the advancement of academies like the one that produced Davies, and a focus on scouting Central and South American talent.
With that in mind, here's a look at several younger talents who could merit an upscale fee:
Ezequiel Barco (Atlanta United)
Budding Argentinian attacking midfielder Ezequiel Barco was appraised at $15 million when he moved to Atlanta United from Buenos Aires giant Independiente in January, and there's plenty of reason to think his maiden MLS campaign has only boosted that value.
Barco, 19, has appeared in 16 league affairs for Tata Martino's charges, and his versatility has lifted a stellar attack that leads the league with 48 goals. Able to play both in a central role and out left, Barco has also started a half-dozen matches up top as part of a two-man wrecking crew with Josef Martinez in a 3-4-1-2 setup. Pegged as one of Argentina's most promising youngsters, the shift from an archetypal No. 9 into an adaptable attacker will only help augment the rate for a player previously linked with a move to La Liga.
Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United)
The principle reason countryman Tata has used Barco in multiple roles is because Stripes brethren Miguel Almiron is arguably the league's premier No. 10. The Paraguayan international joined Atlanta from Lanus in December 2016, and he's scored 17 goals in 52 appearances for the Eastern Conference leader.
Almiron's goal haul only tells a fragment of the dynamic 24-year-old's story. He's the creative fulcrum of the league's most lethal attack and is content to move the ball quickly on the counter. An elite passer and playmaker adept at controlling the ball in close quarters, Almiron has been previously mentioned as a potential transfer target for Inter, Arsenal, and West Ham. Considering the tariffs associated with a glamor position like the No. 10, the 12-time capped international could warrant a transfer fee that exceeds Davies'.
Josef Martinez (Atlanta United)
Fresh off an MLS record sixth career hat-trick and both tallies in Saturday's 2-1 victory over the Montreal Impact, Atlanta striker Josef Martinez is running away with the league's goal-scoring race thanks to an astounding 24 goals in 23 matches. That includes a red-hot stretch of 10 over six games in the month of July.
The 25-year-old Venezuelan now has 43 goals in 44 outings for Atlanta and 11 match winners, and he's four short of establishing a new single-season MLS record, a mark currently held by Roy Lassiter and active pairing Chris Wondolowski and Bradley Wright-Phillips. Despite claiming he's "happy in Atlanta," the former Torino forward has reportedly been monitored by Everton and Liga MX side Club America. The Toffees tabled €22 million for Cenk Tosun, so Martinez could nab at least $15 million on the market.
Alejandro Gamarra (New York Red Bulls)
New York Red Bulls attacking midfielder Alejandro "Kaku" Gamarra is rivaling Almiron for playmaking pedigree following a $6.25-million switch from Huracan in December. Kaku currently leads MLS with 14 assists, a solid return for a 23-year-old with only 17 league starts.
Capped once by Paraguay following a spell with Argentina's under-20 side, Kaku is the central figure of a 4-2-3-1 formation that has been surprisingly clinical in front of the goal while averaging two goals-per-match. An adept passer who can also slide out left, perhaps it makes sense that Atlanta initially placed a discovery tag on Kaku, who appears suited for a move to Europe.
Alberth Elis (Houston Dynamo)
Few players in MLS fancy hitting the crap out of an effort like the Houston Dynamo's 22-year-old Honduran attacker Alberth Elis. His nine goals and seven assists this season while supporting Mauro Manotas have almost single-handedly kept Wilmer Cabrera's charges alive in the west.
Landing Elis on loan from Mexico's Monterrey in 2017 was a steal, leading to a permanent agreement in December. The 28-time capped international has repaid that decision, combining strong passing skills with composure in possession and an eye for the goal. His penchant for cutting inside off the right flank combines well with long-busting runs toward the goal, making Elis a talent to watch. Spain seems like a fitting destination for the former Olympian.
Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew)
When Zack Steffen returned to the United States after failing to progress from Freiburg's academy, it may have seemed like a step back for the spry shot-stopper. However, Steffen has been a revelation in North America's top flight.
After battling for the title of America's next big 'keeper with Toronto FC's Alex Bono last season, Steffen has surpassed his international teammate in 2018. Reports suggest the Columbus Crew have already rejected a $3.9-million offer from second-tier Bristol City, and a move to a league the caliber of the Championship would suit an emerging player who turned 23 in April.
Jesus Medina (New York City FC)
Another South American star on the rise who appears to only be scratching the surface of his versatile skills, New York City FC's once-capped Paraguayan international Jesus Medina looks the part after joining the club in Dec. 2017 from Libertad.
Medina's goal Sunday during a win over Seattle was his fifth of the season to go with a quartet of helpers.
His ability to play as a No. 10, on both wings, and as a false No. 9 is a benefit to a player who, like the aforementioned names, is a symbol of an evolving MLS. There's a reason NYCFC parent club Manchester City was scouting Medina, and his seamless transition into the squad and synergy with David Villa and Maxi Moralez shows he's a stud with higher ambitions.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)