The growing emergence of the USA in the world of soccer has been apparent in recent years, with a wealth of American talent moving away from North America to play at the highest level of the game.
It is having a huge impact on the success of the sport, and the quality of the players that are later representing the national team.
That will be considered a huge benefit in years to come, and could ensure that the USA are one of the dark horse contenders for success at their home World Cup next summer.
But, who are some of the best MLS exports to the Premier League in history?
Tim Howard
Tim Howard is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers that America has ever produced.
After making his breakthrough with the MetroStars, Howard was brought by Manchester United in the summer of 2003. He was immediately tasked with becoming the club’s number one goalkeeper following the departure of Fabian Barthez.
Howard made an immediate impression at Old Trafford, playing an important role in the Community Shied win over Arsenal. However, mistakes in important matches saw him lose his spot in the United goal.
He was recalled in time to become the second American to win the FA Cup in 2004, but mistakes plagued his second season at the club, leading to his departure to Everton. He would be a standout player for Everton during a ten-year stay at the club, making over 330 appearances and becoming just one of four goalkeepers to score in the Premier League.
Brad Friedel
Brad Friedel became one of the first American’s to make an impact in the Premier League after signing for Liverpool from Columbus Crew in 1997. However, after limited game time, he signed for Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer in 2000.
Friedel would play his part in a period of success for Rovers, and in the 2002-03 season, he kept 15 clean sheets and won the club’s player of the year award. Like Howard, Friedel was also a goal-scoring goalkeeper during his time at Ewood Park.
His success at Rovers came to an end in 2008, but he was later honoured after being one of the first seven players to be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
The American would later achieve success with Aston Villa, playing in the UEFA Cup, and setting a new record for the most continuous appearances in the Premier League in November 2008. Friedel would later sign for Tottenham, but would play second fiddle to Hugo Lloris before his retirement in 2015.
Jhon Duran
One of the finest recent exports from the MLS to the Premier League is Jhon Duran. The Colombian international enjoyed a one-season stay in the MLS with Chicago Fire, before signing for Aston Villa in January 2023.
He would become a key part of the team in the 2023-24 season, scoring against Everton, before later being awarded the club’s goal of the season award for his effort against Crystal Palace. The striker would also score two goals in an important match at the end of the season against Liverpool to keep Villa’s Champions League hopes alive.
Duran started the 2024-25 season in excellent form for the club, scoring the winners against West Ham, Leicester, and Everton.
He also played an important role in the club’s progression in the Champions League, famously netting the winner at Villa Park against Bayern Munich.
His performances saw him named the club’s player of the month award in September, but his form dipped in December as he was sent off against Newcastle. Before he left the club he was still one of the favorites to win the golden boot according to the best Premier League betting sites.
His short stay in the Premier League ended in January after making the decision to sign for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.
Miguel Almiron
Another famous modern MLS star to have shone in the Premier League is Miguel Almiron. The attacking midfielder signed for Newcastle United in 2019 after a three-year stay at Atlanta United. In doing so, he amassed the highest fee for an MLS player.
Almiron would become a cult hero during his time at Newcastle, and played an important role in helping the Magpies avoid relegation in 2019-20. He also played an vital role for the club in their push for Champions League qualification, before scoring his first goal in the tournament proper in October 2023.
In doing so, he became the ninth Paraguayan player to score in the competition. His goal in the 4-1 win against PSG also marked Newcastle’s first effort in the competition since Alan Shearer’s effort in a 2-2 draw in 2003.
However, Almiron’s stay in the Premier League ended in January 2025 after he re-joined Atlanta United. But, he remains a player with cult status at St. James’ Park for his efforts in taking the club back to Europe’s most elite competition.