As the MLS transfer window opens, ESPN has released a comprehensive review of the league’s most significant Designated Player (DP) signings. The article features the top 10 most successful DP transfers, including stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi, alongside the 10 worst DP deals, which include high-profile missteps such as the acquisition of Steven Gerrard. This retrospective aims to provide insight into the impact of big-money signings on the league’s trajectory.
The list of the best DPs highlights players who not only elevated their respective teams but also made a lasting impact on the league’s growth. Ibrahimovic’s high-scoring records with LA Galaxy and Inter Miami set new standards for goal-scoring in MLS, while Messi’s historic performance with Inter Miami helped elevate the league’s global profile. Gerrard’s stint with Toronto FC, although brief, is often cited as one of the more expensive misfires, highlighting the risks involved in investing in foreign talent.
Meanwhile, the ‘worst DPs’ list includes several costly acquisitions that failed to deliver on expectations. The article explores how factors such as poor integration, lack of local support, or misaligned playing styles can lead to expensive failures. These case studies offer valuable lessons for teams looking to make informed signings in the current transfer window.
As teams prepare for the upcoming transfer window, this retrospective serves as both a celebration of the league’s achievements and a cautionary tale about the challenges of securing top talent. ESPN’s analysis provides a critical perspective on the financial and sporting implications of these decisions, offering fans and stakeholders insight into the complex world of MLS transfers.