Historically known as an inferior soccer league compared to elite leagues across the globe, Major League Soccer—the highest level of soccer play in the United States and Canada—has been on the rise after gaining a new wave of European talent over the summer, marking the biggest summer transfer window in MLS history.

Widely mocked for its lack of competitiveness, the MLS has never truly played a big role in the global transfer market. With mostly European players winding up there in their last few seasons of their playing career before retirement. In the past, big names such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Andrea Pirlo played in the MLS, all doing so in the final stages of their career. However, everything has shifted over the past few months. 

Several European stars with much left in the tank left Europe for the MLS for reasons such as increased playing minutes, preparation for international play or even just the happiness and well-being of their families. Notable world-class players include Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi joining Toronto FC, as well as Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini joining LAFC. All of these players had the option of staying in Europe to play in the best leagues in the world, but chose to sign for an MLS team instead.

But most captivating of all was the signing of 22-year-old former Barcelona wonderkid Riqui Puig. The midfielder, once seen as the face of Barcelona’s future, shocked the sports world when he decided to sign with LA Galaxy on a deal that would take him through contract to the end of the 2025 MLS season.

Having such talent at such a young age made Puig’s transfer the most perplexing move of the summer involving an MLS club. Puig never got to live out his potential during his Barcelona career due to a lack of playing time as the team was stacked at the midfield position with Sergio Busquets, Frenkie De Jong, Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic and others. Constant changes in management led him to fall out of the rotation, unable to improve his game at a high-level.

Now at LA Galaxy, Puig will be the centerpiece of the squad and has been their missing piece in the midfield, according to head coach Greg Vanney. He will look to find consistent minutes and further develop his game before returning to Europe.

The MLS has been improving in caliber in recent years, and the signings made over the summer have significantly added to it. The league is starting to shift away from being a “retirement league” to finding its competitiveness and attracting world-class players at any stage of their careers.