Most fans probably haven't thought about it much with Major League Soccer play temporarily on hold, but we are actually fast approaching another transfer window — while the current one is on hold.
The return of the summer market will put the allocation order, among other things, back in the forefront of interested minds across the US and Canada. By extension, that means some folks may start browsing the allocation list of players subject to that process before they can make an MLS comeback.
So which of these former league players seem like the best bets to return at some point? Based on all available evidence, the six players listed below look like the most likely returnees.
Geoff Cameron
The former Houston Dynamo man is set to run out of contract with Championship middlers Queens Park Rangers at season's end (whenever that may be). Cameron has spoken of wanting to extend his stay at Loftus Road, but also of feeling a tug toward his family back home in the States.
Two summers back, he was chased by both his hometown Revs and the LA Galaxy, but opted to carry on in England. Now that he's set to turn 35 in July, it's not unreasonable to think that a similar pursuit might turn out differently now.
Fabian Castillo
Fabian Castillo was productive at FC Dallas, but his departure was less than amicable. | USA Today Sports Images
If Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle ever gets his way, the 2015 Best XI honoree will be brought back to MLS to enhance some lucky team's flank squadron. Of course, it seems highly likely Castillo won't return to FC Dallas, where his departure was less than amicable.
Things didn't work out for him in Turkey, and went only slightly better with next club, Tijuana. He has finally regained form this season with loan employers Queretaro, who are slated to waive goodbye to him this summer. Could the stars be lining up for a return? Castillo seems surplus to Xolos requirements, has publicly thought better of the way and timing of his MLS exit, and is still in his prime. So why not?
Cyle Larin
The Canada striker, who has been linked with MLS suitors several times since leaving Orlando City, was in the process of having a fine loan season with Belgian side Zulte-Waregem when play hit pause. The club have a purchase option on Larin reported to be in the $2.75 million range, but also have some financial woes to worry about.
The word going around West Flanders is they could buy the striker from Besiktas and then turn right around to sell him to another suitor for a profit. Larin has been mentioned as a Leeds United target for a while now, and Greek club PAOK are also reportedly on his trail. The moral of this soap opera? He may well come back to MLS someday, but that someday is likely a ways off.
Josh Sargent
Josh Sargent is one of several young Americans in the European top level | Action Images
This one will surely take a good while, as the 20-year-old, whose rights were initially claimed by Sporting Kansas City, is just embarking on his career over at Werder Bremen. Still, there's no denying Sargent was quite chuffed at the news St. Louis would be getting an MLS club. One could easily imagine pulling on his hometown's (colors TBD) shirt before he's through.
Victor Vazquez
A couple weeks ago, the former Toronto FC playmaker declared a longing to return to The Six and MLS. An encouraging sign for Vazquez to return: His deal with Qatari side Umm Salal is up in June. On the other hand, the 2017 MLS Cup hero may find it harder to break into the lineup with offseason DP-catch Pablo Piatti around and TFC currently sit near the bottom of the allocation list. Put this case in the "wait and see" file.
DeAndre Yedlin
DeAndre Yedlin's time at Newcastle United might be dwindling, but will that mean an instant return to the Seattle Sounders? | Action Images
The Newcastle right back recently made it clear he fully intends to suit up for the Seattle Sounders again one day. As with Larin and Sargent, however, that day likely won't be coming soon. The 26-year-old, who has recently been linked with Bundesliga interest, is signed at St. James until the summer of 2021. However his Magpies situation plays out, it seems safe to assume Yedlin won't make that promised return until some time nearer the middle of the decade.
