5 Designated Players we want to see in MLS next season

While Major League Soccer lacks the financial sway of China, or the prestige of European clubs in the Champions League, it has grown significantly in the last 21 years, attracting bigger and brighter stars each season.

As players like Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard head out the door, here are five more star Designated Players we’d love to see in MLS for the 2017 season:

Yaya Toure

New York City FC is in the market for another star central midfielder after Frank Lampard departed the club, and parent club Manchester City might bestow Toure upon them after Pep Guardiola inevitably drops the Ivory Coast international from his plans once again.

Toure, 33, still has plenty left in the tank and would be a strong partner to Andrea Pirlo in midfield, though his mobility is now a bit of a question. Still, whether on the front or the back foot, Toure offers plenty of skill and talent to an NYCFC team that could use it.

Wayne Rooney

Having lost his starting spot in the Manchester United lineup, Rooney could finally complete his long-reported move to MLS at the age of 31. He’ll be looking to first break Sir Bobby Charlton’s record for United’s all-time leading goal scorer (249) with a pair of goals before considering his future.

Rooney would be just the latest in a growing line of English talent to head down the road David Beckham paved; Gerrard, Lampard, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole came to MLS, too, and would likely recommend the league to the struggling United star.

However, Rooney might not be heading over alone as he could be joined by another teammate from the Red Devils, too …

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Schweinsteiger was recently spotted sharing a meal with Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic and, as expected, rumours and reports of a potential move quickly followed suit. But, for the former Bayern Munich man, a move to MLS could bring to a close a Manchester United tenure highlighted by mistreatment and failure.

Having endured the humiliation of training with the reserves under Jose Mourinho, Schweinsteiger would have a chance to shine once again in MLS, and end his career with the kind of respect and admiration he deserves.

Javier Hernandez

When Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez was first linked with MLS, a move in the works was quickly quashed due to his blistering hot form with Bayer Leverkusen. But, in recent weeks, the Mexico international’s form has cooled enough that he might become a target for MLS sides once again.

The LA Galaxy are in the market for new DP signings and Giovani Dos Santos could help spearhead negotiations for the Mexican striker, but finding a suitor in MLS wouldn’t be difficult for Hernandez regardless.

Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie could have one eye on an MLS move next summer, as the 33-year-old looks to wind down his career. His time at Fenerbahce has been fruitful, but a move to MLS promises the sort of allure and payout befitting an experienced pro as himself.

For that is what Van Persie gets in MLS; a chance to relive his glory days and be paid handsomely for it, while simultaneously enjoying the benefit of anonymity, something he has likely not experienced as the star man of teams known for their incredibly passionate supporters, whether at Arsenal, United, or Fenerbahce.