7 MLS wonderkids who could be set for a big move to Europe in 2024

MLS has become a breeding ground for young footballing talent in the past decade or so. Ballers like Miguel Almiron, Jack Harrison, and Alphonso Davies all cut their teeth in Major League Soccer, and more are on the way.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing about a diamond in the rough before it’s unearthed and cut into a fine gem by Europe’s big boys. Who’s next, though?

We’ve compiled a list of candidates who we think have a big move to Europe in the future. Keep your eye on these lads — one of them might be playing for your team soon.

Benjamin Chremaschi

This kid has everything going for him. A rangy midfielder with great awareness, he prefers to play as a 10, equally able to win the ball back or create a chance.

Chremasci is brilliant at wriggling out of tight situations and enjoys playing in central areas under pressure. As he fills out physically, he’s only going to improve his all-round game. Chremasci is still only 18, and is eligible to play for both the USA and Argentina.

There’s a certain teammate of his at Miami who might be whispering sweet Spanish nothings in his ear about La Albiceleste.

A very promising teenager training and playing with Lionel Messi every day — we’d say Benjamin Chremaschi is poised to succeed.

Gavin Beavers

Eighteen-year-old Beavers is the youngest goalkeeper to start a game in MLS history. If there’s one thing MLS has always done brilliantly, it’s produce top goalkeepers — see Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, et al.

Beavers is 6’6″ and gaining heaps of valuable experience at Real Salt Lake. His future is in his hands now, and he can be whatever he wants to be.

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Matai Akinmboni

The DC United centre-back broke into the first team at just sixteen. That’s so, so young for a central defender.

Wayne Rooney’s former defensive protege has been training with Villareal in his spare time, and Europe will have its eyes firmly fixed on Akinmboni.

Reed Baker-Whiting

Seattle Sounders have a big prospect on their hands in Reed Baker-Whiting. A powerful runner with two good feet, the eighteen-year-old is the kind of midfielder who can bend a game to his will and make a huge impact.

Owen Wolff

Wolff likes to keep possession of the football and progress it forward for his team, rarely letting the opposition get a look in.

The teenager solidified a regular first-team place at Austin FC last season, and went to the Under-20 World Cup with the USA. A big move awaits.

READ: An XI of ex-MLS players thriving in Europe: Davies, Almiron, Harrison…

Nimfasha Berchimas

North Carolina-based Charlotte FC’s winger prodigy has only just turned sixteen, and is already right at home on the pitch among the adult pros.

Hopefully it’s not too much, too soon as Bayern are said to have an eye cast firmly in Berchimas’ direction. Like Sauron. In Lord of the Rings. Sauron’s eye.

Esmir Bajraktarevic

There’s a revolution in the offing in New England. Bajraktarevic has already made his senior debut for USMNT and he won’t be old enough to buy a beer for another couple of years. The winger is full of tricks and has a penchant for a worldie.

Stardom awaits if Esmir wants it.

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