“Steven Gerrard” (CC BY 2.0) by araizavictor
Premier League legends Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard made the decision to end their respective careers in the English top flight to join the MLS.
The former international midfielders opted to play out their final days at Los Angeles Galaxy and New York City FC respectively, despite arguably having enough ability to continue plying their trade in the top division in England.
Many footballers from across Europe, including Andrea Pirlo, have also been convinced to leave the continent for the States in search of a warmer climate, while also raising the profile of the game across the pond.
Some ageing individuals in the Premier League may be eyeing the move themselves to follow in the footsteps of Gerrard, Lampard and previously David Beckham.
We’ll now take a look at who the potential candidates could be:
John Terry
“JOHN TERRY” (CC BY 2.0) by JULIAN MASON
Speculation was rife towards the end of last season that Terry’s tenure with Chelsea was coming to an end, which even prompted an emotional speech from the 35-year-old on the Stamford Bridge pitch.
However, the Blues skipper was offered a new one-year deal by the club, and will likely be an integral part of the team under new boss Antonio Conte in their bid to regain the top-flight crown.
Should Chelsea enjoy a successful season under the Italian and win the division, Terry may opt to end his career at Stamford Bridge on a high note.
The Blues are backed in the latest Premiership odds to win the crown at 13/2, which would see Terry lift the trophy for the fifth time in his career, potentially prompting his exit.
Terry has previously been linked with a move to the MLS, although wages could be a stumbling block in any potential deal with a club in the States.
However, should he wish to extend his career in a desirable location, then a move across the pond to somewhere like New York or Los Angeles isn’t out of the question.
Michael Carrick
“Manchester – Old Trafford – Manchester U” (CC BY 2.0) by Andrea Sartorati
Michael Carrick is another former England player that may be on his last legs in the Premier League, although new Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was determined to keep the 34-year-old for the upcoming season.
Carrick has been a fine player for the Red Devils in his 10 seasons with the club, and Mourinho was not prepared to let a midfielder of his calibre and experience leave Old Trafford on a free, handing him a new one-year deal.
The Portuguese has already begun to revamp the United squad with the additions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and he has also been linked with a move for Juventus’ Paul Pogba.
As a result, Carrick may find his first-team opportunities limited with the Red Devils, which may prompt the 34-year-old to seek pastures new.
He would be a perfect fit in the MLS due to his craft and vision from a deep-lying role in the middle of the park, while his lack of mobility would not be a problem due to the slower tempo of the league.
Carrick could be the latest to trade in the Premier League for the MLS, but will by no means be the last.