The MLS has gotten a pretty steady diet over the years of "past their prime" stars from Europe, South America and Asia who have seen the league as a way to prolong their careers. While nothing is wrong with this in any case (heck, it brought Henry to New York), in theory the thinking is actually backwards. While wait to acquire a proven talent on the decline that will only give you a few good seasons when there is endless young talent out there waiting to shine if given the chance. It's obvious that MLS clubs can't just go out and acquire young talent from around the world because of financial reasons but maybe because they're looking at the wrong pieces.

Let's take Brazil for example. Neymar is Europe bound for a hefty payday with Bernard likely following behind him. Bernard is young as well, only twenty years old and he'll be heading to a major club for somewhere in the $15 million dollar range. Not bad money but still out of the MLS price range. However, there's got to be more young Brazilian talent after those two who are looking for a place to develop before eventually finding their new home. Why not the MLS?

The MLS is a talented league and will give them a chance to get consistent pitch time against world class talent. Sure, many of them will probably leave in a few seasons but financially it could get some money into the MLS clubs' pockets when the time finally comes. Also, if there's some players who don't become the big star as they were once thought to be, the MLS could become their long-term home where they can excel on the pitch and still make good money. All in all, the idea seems like it could work.

Obviously, there are probably flaws with it and it could scare some teams off, buying into talent so young but I think if a team took a chance on going this route and it worked out, the rest of the league would follow. Maybe the way of the future or maybe not, but it's definitely something to think about.