MLS 2022 predictions: young stars heading to Europe and a Sounders title charge

Douglas Costa. “I’ll bring the flash that LA expects,” the 31-year-old winger declares in a curiously dark and menacing video announcing his transfer to the Galaxy. Carnival has never looked so sinister. Unlike that studio, MLS stadiums should be lit when one of the world’s best dribblers graces the field. A serial winner with Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayern Munich and Juventus, Costa has 31 Brazil caps and ought to supply Javier Hernández with plenty of chances. TD

Lorenzo Insigne. The Italy international could eclipse Sebastian Giovinco as the player to have reached the highest peak in MLS history. But what condition will Toronto FC’s season be in by the time he pitches up at BMO Field at the start of July? GR

MLS as a legitimate haven for global talents. While a late-prime Lorenzo Insigne and Xherdan Shaqiri will bring extra interest to the league, it’s the talents at the beginning of their careers that should garner the most intrigue. The year-old U22 Initiative has already gone a long way to loosening the stranglehold of MLS cap rules and it will continue to pay dividends for years to come. The Argentinian duo of Thiago Almada (Atlanta) and Alan Velasco (FC Dallas) should set the standard for young foreign stars in the league. TR

The offseason featured big name veteran signings Insigne and Costa. But the trend of young South American players like Thiago Almada seeking development in MLS – and homegrown talents stepping on the scene – will bolster the league in the longer term. MS

Gabriel Slonina, Chicago Fire. The tradition of American goalkeepers heading to Europe will continue when Matt Turner joins Arsenal this summer, and the Illinois-born Slonina may not be too far behind. The 6ft 4in 17-year-old became the