Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to grow in stature, attracting high-profile players from top European leagues, including the Premier League. This winter, several former English top-flight stars have made the move to the U.S. and Canada, adding quality, experience, and excitement to their respective teams as they aim to begin the 2025 season on the front foot.
Among the notable arrivals are Maxim Choupo-Moting (New York Red Bulls), Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC), Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United), Cengiz Ünder (LAFC), and Zane Monlouis (Toronto FC). Each of these players offers a unique style and pedigree, and their moves signal MLS’s increasing appeal as a competitive and financially attractive destination.
Let’s take a closer look at these five former Premier League players and what they can offer their new clubs.
Maxim Choupo-Moting – New York Red Bulls
Maxim Choupo-Moting has had one of the most unpredictable careers in soccer. From struggling with Stoke City in the Premier League to Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, the Cameroonian forward has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Now, at 35, he embarks on a new adventure with the New York Red Bulls in MLS after being without a club since leaving Stern des Südens in the summer upon the expiration of his contract.
Choupo-Moting is well renowned for his versatility, and he is capable of playing as a traditional striker or dropping deep to link up play. His technical ability, combined with his experience in high-pressure games, makes him a valuable asset for the Red Bulls.
For a team that has often struggled to find a consistent goal-scoring presence, Choupo-Moting could be the answer. His hold-up play will benefit the team’s young attackers, such as Dennis Gjengaar and Julian Hall, and his experience in European competitions will provide much-needed leadership in the dressing room alongside captain veteran Emil Forsberg.
Wilfried Zaha – Charlotte FC
Perhaps the most surprising move of the winter, Wilfried Zaha’s temporary switch to Charlotte FC, has sparked interest across the world of soccer. After spending most of his career at Crystal Palace, with a brief spell at Manchester United, the Ivorian winger opted to move abroad and sign for Galatasaray in 2023.
He registered a return of 10 goals and five assists in 43 games for Gala but found himself out of favour as the 2024/25 Turkish Süper Lig was set to kick off. Zaha then made a loan switch to Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyon in August 2024. However, he has been limited to just four league appearances and two outings in the UEFA Europa League, sparking the desire to move on to pastures new.
Known for his explosive dribbling, creativity, and ability to take on defenders, Zaha instantly became one of the most talented players in the league. His arrival at Charlotte FC could be a game-changer, giving them a marquee player who can influence games and elevate the team’s attacking potential. At 32, Zaha still has plenty left in the tank, and MLS fans can expect him to provide plenty of highlight-reel moments.
Miguel Almirón – Atlanta United
Miguel Almirón’s move back to Atlanta United feels like a homecoming. The Paraguayan playmaker was a key figure in Atlanta’s 2018 MLS Cup-winning campaign before securing a then-record move to Newcastle United. After several seasons in the Premier League, Almirón returns to the club where he became a star.
His pace, energy, and ability to play between the lines make him a perfect fit for Atlanta’s attacking style. Almirón’s return and inclusion will excite fans in every game, as he was one of the league’s most electric players during his first spell.
Atlanta United struggled for consistency last season, and bringing back Almirón could be the spark they need to challenge for another MLS Cup. His familiarity with the club, combined with his improved experience in the Premier League, makes him a well-rounded leader on and off the pitch.
Cengiz Ünder – LAFC
LAFC has built a reputation for signing high-profile attacking players, and the addition of Cengiz Ünder continues that trend. The Turkish international, who had spells at Leicester City in the Premier League and Marseille, joins an already dynamic attacking set-up in Los Angeles, which includes another former English top-flight star, Olivier Giroud.
Ünder is a winger who thrives on cutting inside and shooting from distance, making him a dangerous option for LAFC’s attack. His pace and technical ability will complement the team’s quick, aggressive playing style.
With LAFC aiming to retain their position as one of the dominant forces in MLS, Ünder’s experience in top European leagues could prove invaluable. If he settles quickly, he could become one of the most effective wide players in the league.
Zane Monlouis – Toronto FC
At just 21 years old, Zane Monlouis’s move to Toronto FC presents an exciting opportunity for both the player and the club. The promising defender honed his skills in Arsenal’s academy, where he captained the U21s against senior sides like Colchester United and MK Dons in the EFL Trophy. Despite earning a spot on the bench for Champions League fixtures, breaking into the first team proved challenging, prompting him to seek regular playing time in MLS.
Toronto FC has been in transition, and Monlouis could develop into a key player for the club’s defence. His composure on the ball, physical attributes, and ability to read the game make him a promising addition.
Moving to MLS at this stage of his career presents an invaluable chance to gain all-important playing time and showcase his abilities on a big stage. If he impresses, a return to European soccer in the future remains a possibility.
Final Thoughts
This winter’s transfer window has once again reinforced MLS’s status as a desirable league for former Premier League players. Each of these signings brings something different to the table, and their performances will be closely watched throughout the season.
The arrival of these individuals doesn’t just impact their new teams, though – it also influences how fans engage with the league, both in terms of viewership and strategies such as matched betting. Will Choupo-Moting provide the goals for the Red Bulls? Can Zaha become the face of Charlotte FC? Will Almirón’s return to Atlanta spark another title charge? How will Ünder fit into LAFC’s system? And can Monlouis develop into a defensive star for Toronto?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: MLS is becoming a major player in the global soccer landscape.