Who Are The Brightest MLS Prospects? Five Players That Are Ready To Break Into Serie A

The Major League Soccer season is nearing its end as teams look to progress through the play-offs, so we have looked into the brightest prospects in the MLS that could break into Serie A in 2026.

For years the MLS has been viewed as a step below the top European leagues, as soccer continues to take a back-seat to multiple sports in the United States.

However, Major League Soccer has seen a meteoric rise in recent years, with Lionel Messi bringing the leagues’ profile to new heights and multiple stars are now coming through the ranks.

Several players have impressed in the MLS and moved on to top European sides, with the likes of Ricardo Pepi attracting interest from Serie A and we have looked into the next batch of players that are ready to step into Europe.

Who Are The Brightest Prospects In MLS?

Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)

Kicking-off the list we have Real Salt Lake star, Diego Luna, who has become a household name in the MLS and is now a regular member of the United States National Team.

The 22-year-old has been a standout player for RSL during their last two MLS seasons, with Luna contributing to 20 goals in 31 appearances during the 2024 campaign (8G + 12A) and 16 goals in 27 appearances this year (9G + 7A).

Real Salt Lake faced Portland Timbers in an MLS play-off qualifier after finishing ninth in the Western Conference and suffered a 3-1 defeat to end their season.

Failing to progress into the play-off stages could be a deciding factor for Luna as he considers his future in the United States, as the 22-year-old may look to take the next step in his career.

Luna’s deal in Utah is set to expire in December 2026, meaning he will be able to leave as a free agent and this could be a tempting incentive for multiple Serie A sides.

Another important factor could be the quality of performances Luna puts in at the 2026 World Cup if Pochettino decides to include the 22-year-old in the USMNT roster.

Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders)

Next on the list is Seattle Sounders star, Obed Vargas, as the 20-year-old has recently caught the eye in the MLS play-off stages after scoring a brace in a 4-2 win over Minnesota.

The 20-year-old started in 26 matches during the MLS regular season and has played every minute in Seattle Sounders’ MLS play-off matches so far.

Despite his youth, Vargas has already made 92 appearances in the MLS and was an important member of the Mexico U-20 side in the 2025 World Cup.

Vargas has been tipped to achieve great things due to his ability to control a match from central midfield and high soccer IQ at such a young age.

Interestingly, his deal in Seattle was set to expire in December 2025 but the Sounders have decided to exercise a one-year extension – meaning any Serie A side will have to submit a bid in 2026.

Brian Gutierrez (Chicago Fire)

Brian Gutierrez enjoyed a strong season with Chicago Fire in the MLS, contributing to 15 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions (11G + 4A) and helping his side reach the play-off stages.

Chicago Fire were eventually eliminated by Philadelphia Union after two consecutive defeats, but Philadelphia are not only the favorites to win the title but are also one of the MLS sides interested in Christian Pulisic.

Philadelphia’s status made it hard for Chicago Fire to compete, however, Gutierrez was one of the bright sparks in the heart of midfield and is highly-rated by Gregg Berhalter.

Gutierrez’s standout performance came on October 1st in a 5-3 win over Inter Miami, as the 22-year-old came off the bench to provide a goal and assist – dominating a midfield which contained Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul.

His deal in Chicago is set to expire in December 2028 and the American has already been linked with a move to Lazio, as Maurizio Sarri prepares to bolster his side next year.

Alex Freeman (Orlando City)

Alex Freeman has become a regular member of Orlando City’s roster during the 2024/25 campaign, making some huge improvements since making his MLS debut in April 2023 at just 18-years-old.

Last season, Freeman made just two appearances in the MLS, spending most of his time with the Orlando City B team and the 22-year-old set out to become a starting player in 2025.

The USMNT made 29 appearances in the regular MLS season and contributed to nine goals (6G + 3A), which is an impressive return for a full-back.

Freeman is out of contract in December 2025 and Orlando are yet to exercise their one-year extension, meaning the defender could be available as a free agent in January.

Owen Wolff (Austin FC)

The final player that we believe is ready to compete in Europe is Austin FC star, Owen Wolff, who has built quite the reputation during his time in the MLS.

Wolff’s season came to an end on November 3rd as Austin were eliminated by Los Angeles FC, but the 20-year-old ended the campaign with 18 goal contributions in 41 appearances from midfield (7G +11A).

So far the young midfielder has made 120 appearances in the United States’ top division and is under contract until December 2027.

American soccer fans have urged Mauricio Pochettino to include Wolff in the USMNT squad for the 2026 World Cup, but the 20-year-old is yet to earn a senior cap.

Prior to this current MLS season, Wolff had been linked with a move to Ligue 1, meaning the youngster is clearly open to making the jump into the European leagues.