The “exodus” of young MLS talent to Brazil continues. The latest player to have swapped North America for South America is LAFC left-back Diego Palacios, who will link up with Corinthians next season.
Leaving the United States for Brazil has become something of a growing trend among young players, more and more of whom are being recruited by MLS teams, who are on the whole signing fewer veterans in the latter stages of their careers.
Which players have been between MLS and Brazil recently?
In recent times, Nicolás Acevedo, Marcelino Moreno, Eduard Atuesta, Alan Franco, Jefferson Savarino, Jhegson Méndez and Tomás Pochettino are among those who have moved from MLS sides to Brazil’s Série A, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
The path has also been well trodden in the opposition direction, however, with Micael, Junior Urso, Geovane Jesús, Lucas Calegari, Rafael Santos and Gabriel Pirani having all left the Brasileirão for Major League Soccer in recent times.
Recent transfers between MLS and Brazil's Série A
MLS to Brazil Série A
- Nicolás Acevedo (24, Uruguay) - New York City FC to Bahia (loan)
- Marcelino Moreno (28, Argentina) - Atlanta United to Coritiba
- Eduard Atuesta - (26, Colombia) - LAFC to Palmeiras
- Alan Franco - (27, Argentina) - Atlanta United to São Paulo
- Jefferson Savarino (27, Venezuela) - Real Salt Lake to Atlético Mineiro (and back)
- Jhegson Méndez (26, Ecuador) - LAFC to São Paulo
- Tomás Pochettino (27, Argentina) - Austin FC to Fortaleza
Brazil Série A to MLS
- Micael (23, Brazil) - Atlético Mineiro to Houston Dynamo
- Junior Urso (34, Brazil) - Coritiba to Orlando City
- Geovane Jesús (22, Brazil) - Cruzeiro to FC Dallas
- Lucas Calegari (21, Brazil) - Fluminense to LA Galaxy (loan)
- Rafael Santos (25, Brazil) - Cruzeiro to Orlando City
- Gabriel Pirani (21, Brazil) - Santos to D.C. United (loan)
How many Brazilians play in MLS?
According to Transfermarkt, there are currently 34 Brazilian footballers plying their trade in MLS, the fourth-most represented foreign nationality in the league after Canada, Argentina and Colombia. Of those 34 players, 20 are under the age of 25.
Why is MLS seen as an attractive proposition?
Young players have started viewing MLS as an attractive proposition due to the increasing number of players who have moved to European soccer after spells in the United States. Former New England Revolution goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic signed for Premier League giants Chelsea in the summer and has started The Blues last six matches, while Jhon Durán swapped Chicago Fire for Aston Villa, José Cifuentes left LAFC for Rangers in Scotland and Djordje Mihailovic moved from CF Montreal to Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.
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