The European superstar has been a very prudent investment in Major League Soccer. There are plenty of examples of when teams have signed ageing players that flourished in Europe and have ‘retired’ in MLS and have improved substantially as a result. It can be a very successful and wise way of spending money and wages, as well as one of the now three Designated Player slots.
But as history proves, the motives of the players coming to play in MLS are key. Are they arriving for one last payday, happy to do the bare minimum, and meander their way towards retirement?