The departure of Brenden Aaronson from Philadelphia Union becomes a model for MLS

For many years, Major League Soccer became a league where Europe stars came to finish their careers. But the performance level is changing and several teams are focusing on bringing young players from their academies to make USA Soccer growth. These young players are becoming a target for Europe top clubs.

Philadelphia Union announced that Brendan Aaronson will leave to Red Bull Salzburg next January. The team will get a reported 6 million initially, potentially rising to 9 million. This is historic, Aaronson has became the highest transfer ever paid for a homegrown player.

The 19-year-old has 4 goals in 32 appearances for the Union and before that he played 24 matches for Bethlehem Steel FC. That’s a lot of experience for a player so young.  USA future stars are making their way into Europe and the intention of the teams is to do not stop with this trend.

MLS is transforming from a League where experienced players came before retiring to a trampoline for young players that are willing to go and play in the big European teams. Brenden Aaronson is the first one, but he will not be the last player to develop here and get a huge transfer bid.