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There are plenty of Premier League players who have plied their trade in the MLS during the twilight of their careers. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba have all played in North America before hanging up their boots.
Many big-name Premier League players to have played in the MLS had established themselves as stars in England and elsewhere in Europe. There are a few such active players who could move to the MLS to play for a year or two before hanging up their boots.
On that note, here's a look at five former Premier League-winning players who could prosper in the MLS:
#5 Shinji Kagawa
One of the few Japanese players to have won the Premier League, Shinji Kagawa won the competition in Sir Alex Ferguson's last campaign as the manager of Manchester United in 2013. Despite being used in a bit-part role, Kagawa was crucial for the Red Devils in the campaign, scoring six goals in 20 matches.
Kagawa joined Manchester United after winning two Bundesliga titles and a DFB-Pokal under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund. The midfielder spent two seasons at United before returning to Dortmund, where he spent another four and a half years, winning the DFB-Pokal.
Now 32, Kagawa recently joined Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki FC on a contract till June 2022. After his contract expires, Kagawa could go and become a marquee signing in the MLS.
The MLS continues to be a destination for many of the game's biggest names as they reach the twilight of their careers. Kagawa could follow one of his old United teammates, Javier Hernandez, who caused a stir of sorts when he signed for LA Galaxy in the MLS.
#4 Samir Nasri
From a bitter fallout with Arsenal fans to winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City, Samir Nasri has embraced his status as one of the Premier League's most controversial characters.
Nasri came to the Premier League in 2008 when he joined Arsenal from Marseille for £14 million. He spent three years at the Emirates before moving to Manchester City in 2011 amid a fallout with Arsenal fans.
Nasri helped City clinch their first-ever Premier League title in his debut season at the club. His best goalscoring season for City came in 2013-14, when he bagged 11 goals in all competitions, helping City win their second domestic title under Manuel Pelligrini.
But injuries took a toll on his form, and Nasri was later sent on loan to Sevilla before being sold to Antalyaspor in 2017. Nasri was also found guilty of breaching UEFA's doping rules and was given an 18-month ban.
He had subsequent spells with West Ham and Anderlecht after his ban, but both ended in failures, and Nasri is now without a club. At 33, a move to the MLS could help Nasri reignite his career. He had already expressed his desire to play in the MLS in an interview in 2015. So a move now could help him get his career back on track
#3 David Luiz
David Luiz is another former Premier League champion who could move to the MLS. Luiz joined Arsenal in 2019 after winning the Premier League, the Europa League and the FA Cup in his second stint at Chelsea.
Deemed surplus to requirements by Frank Lampard, the 34-year-old was sold to the Gunners, but struggled due to injuries meant he featured in only 62 games in all competitions for Arsenal.
Now a free agent, the Brazilian could move to the MLS on a free transfer. He could become one of the most high-profile players to move to the MLS. According to various reports Luiz's agents are already in contact with an unnamed MLS franchise and have offered his services.
The only problem could be the player's wage. Luiz was reportedly earning £120,000 a week at Arsenal, which is far more than what most MLS clubs would be willing to pay for a 34-year-old.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see whether David Luiz takes a heavy pay cut to move to the MLS, with some European clubs also chasing his signature.
#2 Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill, who is currently without a club, could also move to the MLS soon. Cahill moved to Crystal Palace in 2019 after spending seven seasons at Chelsea, winning numerous trophies, including two Premier League, two Europa League and a Champions League.
The 35-year-old spent two seasons at Selhurst Park, but is now a free agent and has been linked with a move to the MLS. There will be no shortage of clubs in the league for the English defender, who could prove a valuable addition to any MLS side, given his vast experience in the game.
Although Cahill is expected to renew his contract at Crystal Palace, he may not stay at the club beyond next season. So a move to the MLS could prove to be beneficial for him to continue his career before he hangs up his boots.
#1 David Silva
David Silva is arguably the most decorated Premier League player on this list. The 35-year-old amassed 423 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 73 goals, providing 134 assists and winning four Premier League titles after joining them from Valencia in 2010.
The Spaniard joined Real Sociedad after leaving Manchester City in 2020. He still has one year left on his contract at the Spanish club and could move to the MLS next summer.
He was linked with a move to the MLS after the expiry of his contract with City, but he chose to move to Real Sociedad, where he was an integral part of the team last season, playing 27 matches in all competitions.
But David Silva could be tempted by an MLS move after his contract ends at Sociedad. He could be signed as a 'Designated Player' by any club in the league. and has already been linked with David Beckham's franchise, Inter Miami.
It will be surprising to see if Silva does not spend time in the MLS before hanging up his boots. But he has said in the past that he wants to retire at his boyhood club Las Palmas.
