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With the Decision Day of the MLS regular season being today, here are 10 players Leeds United should scout for the next transfer deadline playing in the United States. Major League Soccer has a history of their players transferring to the Premier League like Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, DeAndre Yedlin, Miguel Almirón, and of course Jack Harrison. This list excludes the players representing their clubs in 2020 CONCACAF Champions League. There’s a separate ranking list for that.
10. Gyasi Zardes (Centre-Forward, Columbus Crew, 29-years-old) –
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This MLS veteran is known for his speed and agility when attacking. Zardes may suit well as a back-up for Patrick Bamford and can serve as a winger as well. He’s currently tied for 2ndin goals scored with 11.
9. Andre Blake (Goalkeeper, Philadelphia Union, 29-years-old) –
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The Jamaica international is also a veteran in the MLS. Named Goalkeeper of the year in 2016, Blake is known for his huge frame and quick ability to block shots. He is the key reason why that Philadelphia Union is one of the favorites to reach the MLS Cup final.
8. Ayo Akinola (Centre-Forward, Toronto FC, 20-years-old) –
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The USA U-20 star is the newest phenom for Toronto FC. He’s currently tied for 7th of most goals scored with 9. He can serve as both a centre-forward and a winger.
7. Djordje Mihailovic (Attacking Midfield, Chicago Fire, 21-years-old) –
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The USA international is one of the MLS’ top rising stars. Leeds is great place for Milhailovic to grow as an elite attacking midfielder. He can play behind Bamford while having Rodrigo, Helder Costa or Jack Harrison on wing.
6. Jeremy Ebobisse (Striker, Portland Timbers, 23-years-old) –
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Currently tied for 10th for goals scored with 8, Ebobisse is one of the most promising MLS strikers. He quickly adapted to become the Timbers top go to striker.
5. Walker Zimmerman (Centre-Back, Nashville SC, 27-years-old) –
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The USA international centre-back is another of the MLS’ rising stars despite being a touch older at 27. His elite defending and quick mind to score goals is a great fit for Leeds.
4. JT Marcinkowski (Goalkeeper, SJ Earthquakes, 23-years-old) –
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The USA international goalkeeper is one the most looked prospects in the MLS. Marcinkowski established himself into a main starter for San Jose and is key for the club’s recent improvement. His frame and ability as a goalkeeper (and young age) makes him a good target for Leeds. And he is not Kiko Casilla.
3. Raul Ruidiaz (Centre-Forward, Seattle Sounders, 30-years-old) –
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The Peru international has been the most successful pickup for the Sounders the past few years. He lead the club to MLS glory last season and continues to make noise. Ruidiaz quick ability to successfully adapt into a club is something Leeds should look into.
2. Aaron Long (Centre-Back, NY Red Bulls, 28-years-old) –
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Long was once linked to play in the Premier League for West Ham United but the move ended up failing. Long is already an established defender in the MLS and won the MLS Defender of the year in 2018.
- Cristian Pavon (Left-Winger, LA Galaxy, 24-years-old) –
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The former Boca Juniors star has been linked to many European clubs such as Liverpool, FC Barcelona and many others. Pavon’s experience in big matches and elite scoring ability is a perfect fit for Leeds United. His contract ends this coming December which picking him up as a free transfer would be one of the biggest pick-ups for Leeds. In terms of value this is one that really should be looked at.
Let us know in the comments below which players you liked on this list that Leeds United should get for the next transfer window. The remaining tournament scouting reports will be the UEFA Europa League and Champions League, stay tuned!