Southampton: Hidden gems in the MLS Saints could purchase
MLS is still a developing league in the United States but that does not mean the lack good young talent that Southampton could take a look at.
MLS is quickly becoming a hot bed for young South and North American football talent as it provides a chance for younger players to play first team football in a competitive league.
Some names to recently come out of the MLS are Alphonso Davies who currently plays for Bayern Munich and Miguel Almiron for Newcastle.
With a plethora of young talent and Hasenhuttl wanting to bring in youth, the MLS could be the perfect feeding ground for Southampton.
Let us take a look at three players who Saints could bring in for relatively cheap.
Julian Araujo
Right-back
18-years-old
Araujo, is a promising American talent who is currently play for the L.A. Galaxy and recently was called up to train for the US National Team. He made 18 appearances for the club in the 2019 season and is in prime position to be the starter in the 2020 campaign.
He would likely benefit from another full season of first team football in the league but if Saints want to invest in their future he would likely on cost the club a few million pounds. He will be one to keep an eye on in the upcoming season if you follow the MLS in any capacity.
He has a bright future and could one day make a splash in Europe because he possess many of the qualities teams look for in their full-backs nowadays.
Mark McKenzie
Centre-Back
21-years-old
Another young US talent comes way of the Philadelphia Union. McKenzie plays for the US youth national sides and looks to be in line for a call up to the National Team soon and likely will play a part in Olympic qualifications for the nation.
He is a great combination of both strength and speed which are key attributes for a centre-back in the Premier League. With the season delayed due to the coronavirus we have not been able to see if he is going to take the next step in his development and become a dominate centre-half in the MLS.
The youngster would likely only cost a million or two, just like Araujo, which for an MLS team would be a great bit of business. I could see him landing in Europe at some point in his career.
Matias Pellegrini
Winger
20-years-old
One of the first signings for David Beckham’s new club, Inter Miami. The exciting Argentinian already has a market value of around £5m and has only played in two MLS matches thus far.
There is a buzz around the league this season for the kid and he will undoubtedly have a lot of eyes on him once the season resumes and the summer transfer window is open.
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Expansion teams in the MLS tend to struggle in their maiden season so his number may not be impressive this season but that does not mean he will not have a few moments of brilliance this year and have people clamoring to sign him in a year or two.