Top 10 Best Signings in MLS History
With MLS having signed a total of 88 Designated Players since David Beckham 's 2007 arrival ushered in the rule, here comes the Reds' captain , Steven Gerrard, on his way to the Los Angeles Galaxy. And this is a list of the top 10 best signings in MLS history.
10. Tim Cahill - New York Red Bulls
Having hit 56 goals in 226 league games for Everton, the Australian international started a new life in New York City. He helped the Red Bulls win the Supporters’ Shield, which is in fact the first meaningful trophy in club history.
9. Michael Bradley - Toronto FC
At 26 years old and arguably the US national team’s standout player, Bradley’s return to MLS was a hugely significant step for the league. His career in Roma was no doubt the top level in Serie A.
8. Robbie Keane - LA Galaxy
Robbie Keane scored 44 goals in 71 games for LA since arriving from Tottenham in August 2011, while winning back-to-back MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012.
7. Jermain Defoe - Toronto FC
As a proven Premier League scorer, Jermain Defoe became a huge hit for the Canadian club's fans.
6. David Villa - New York City FC
One of Europe’s deadliest finishers for several seasons, Villa’s goalscoring record has cooled off in recent years, but the former Barcelona and Spain striker still arrives in MLS with a glittering collection of honours to his name.
5. Clint Dempsey - Seattle Sounders
Just a season removed from a 17-goal Premier League campaign with Fulham, the then-Tottenham Hotspur forward made the surprise decision last summer to return to the league where he first made his name with the New England Revolution.
4. Frank Lampard - New York City FC
After scoring a club record 211 times in 648 games during his 13 seasons at Chelsea, Lampard becomes the latest star name to hop across the Atlantic to help the game grow in the US.
3. Kaka - Orlando City SC
Recently signing with expansion franchise Orlando, who are set to begin play in 2015, Kaka is still one of the most popular players in the game.
2. Thierry Henry - New York Red Bulls
While his global profile may not quite reach the heights of Beckham’s, Henry’s arrival in MLS was certainly an enormous coup for the league, as one of the most widely recognised stars of the game thanks to his enormous success with Arsenal and Barcelona.
1. David Beckham - LA Galaxy
As a fashion icon, tabloid fixture and marketing giant who generated just as many headlines for his exploits off the field as on it, the former England captain was the exact type of player MLS coveted to capitalise on America’s burgeoning soccer market.
