MLS History Of Buying English Premier League Stars That Didnt Work Out

Introduction

Every year Major League Soccer improves tenfold, gaining supporters from all around the globe (including me). Each and every year teams like LA Galaxy among others sign some of the biggest names from the English Premier League.

Unfortunately, the majority of these super signings seem to be a disaster.

It's fair to say that most of the World-class players signed from English soil are on their way to retirement. Obviously, the short term benefits still outweigh not signing these players but surely MLS should possibly start thinking more long term?

Sometimes it feels like these players just transfer to the MLS for the big payout. Maybe it's because they are allowed to visit the slots and Las Vegas without being punished by the FA?

Its common knowledge that a lot of the English players have gambling problems and leave England because of previous issues with the Football Association

I handpicked three English Premier League stars that unfortunately didn't live up to expectations.

David Beckham

LA Galaxy signed the Real Madrid star in 2007. David Beckham being their biggest signing to date.

He's probably the most famous guy of the modern era and one of the best passing players to exist. So much talent and accuracy, the number of free-kicks he put in the goal to save the England National side, Manchester United and Paris St Germain were second to none.

Sometimes he's not given enough credit due to his highly recognised lifestyle outside of football. I know he was one of the players caught by Sir Alex Ferguson inside the Internetowe Kasyno. Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand were alongside David too, all receiving huge fines from the club.

I think he had an amazing career, one of the best. Playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, then, of course, he went to Paris St Germain and his loan spell AC Milan too. I'm sure it would have been Victoria behind those transfers though.

Although he played for LA Galaxy for five years and out of all the list, he was the most successful. He still massively underachieved comparing to his English Premier League career.

Frank Lampard

Frank made the move to New York City FC in 2015. Although it brought a lot of media interest to the American game, he just couldn't continue his form.

Before making the transfer to America he was a Chelsea player, even though he had short spells at Manchester City, he will still a Chelsea favourite.

One of the best English midfield players to wear an England National shirt. Although they massively underachieved at every World Cup and Euro's, you could never ask for anything more from Frank.

He also scored more goals than 90% of the Premier League strikers. Currently ranked the fifth-highest goals scorer of all time with 177 goals in his Premier League career.

Ranking higher than Theirry Henry who is voted the best Premier League player in history. His IQ level is the highest ever known English player to date.

Again, just like his English counterparts, Frank seemed to be stuck in first gear while playing in the MLS. Was no surprise that it came to a crashing end after just one season in New York.

Wayne Rooney

Washington based DC United signed Wayne Rooney in 2018 which were one of their most exciting and talked about signings in recent years.

England and Manchester United top goalscorer and for many years the hardest worker on the pitch. Covering more distance and miles than any other player, every single week. The best goal I saw him score was the bicycle kick against Manchester City.

I once watched a documentary about several sports Scientist pushing his body to the limit. Everyone all agreed that they had never met anyone like him before.

It's a real shame he couldn't replicate his form from previous seasons in the Premier League and lasted just one season at DC United.

Conclusion

Although it's a real shame that the above players couldn't continue their amazing Premier League form in the MLS. I'm sure there will be more English players to make the journey across the Atlantic who do the same too.

But on a positive note, It looks like the MLS is improving their youth recruitment among other areas of the league, which is great to see. Discovering new talent is where the long term success will be found.

The last ten years have seen some major improvements and I'm sure in the next decade or so, the MLS will become one of the best leagues in the World.