MLS stars hoping to jump to Europe
LOS ANGELES — Two bright young Major League Soccer stars spoke candidly about their European dreams during the league’s annual media day on Saturday. Atlanta standout
2017 MLS Newcomer of the Year, said through a translator that MLS can serve as a bridge to top clubs in Europe for many South American players.
The Paraguayan international always has been clear about his European goals.
“My objective is to go to Europe,” said Almirón, who recorded nine goals and 14 assists for Atlanta last year. “I don’t obsess over a transfer, I just continue working hard. If it happens now or toward the middle of the season, I’ll just continue to work.”
When asked a follow-up question confirming he expects a move this year, Almirón said, “I think a player always expects a transfer. I worked for that. As I’ve said now, as I’ve said before, my goal is to go to Europe one day.”
Meanwhile, Goal.com reports English Premier League side Stoke City is pursuing Stoke-on-Trent, England, native
the NYCFC forward who scored 10 goals and had six assists in a breakout 2017 season.
Harrison grew up in Manchester United’s youth system. He then went to high school in Massachusetts and played a year of college ball at Wake Forest before the Chicago Fire selected him with the first overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and promptly traded him to NYCFC.
“I think everyone dreams of playing in the top leagues in Europe,” Harrison said. “Obviously growing up in England and everything it’s always been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League, but as of right now I’m still a New York City player.
“As to the Stoke City rumors, nothing’s official yet so I’m still a New York City player right now and that’s where my mindset is at. As I said before, my agent deals with all that stuff, so I just leave it to him.”
, an L.A. Galaxy midfielder, fielded question after question.
What was the Galaxy missing last year? How are you improving during the offseason? What did you learn from your first year in MLS?
“I think last year was maybe complicated from the coaching switch, and the team wasn’t stable,” dos Santos, brother of teammate
said through a translator. “But I think with ... great signings during the offseason, the team is forming really well. I know that this year will be a great one for us. The president of the Galaxy and technical staff is working very hard to make sure we have a team that can compete this year.
“This year should be an important year for us. I came here to make history and enjoy this with my brother and our fans in Los Angeles.”
The Galaxy signed the Mexican national team midfielder as a designated player from Spain’s Villarreal CF in July. He notched a goal and assist in 12 appearances with the team in 2017.
He continued to express gratitude for having his brother and family in the same city. He’ll also have Mexico teammate
in Los Angeles this year. 2018 expansion team Los Angeles FC signed the 28-year-old Vela as a designated player in August.
“I told him to have good luck in life but not in soccer,” dos Santos said laughing.