The $15 million transfer of Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace marked another step forward in terms of U.S. players heading to Europe. Though MLS academy products have been heading overseas for more than a decade now, the demand -- and cost, via transfer fees -- is increasing. When a then-19-year-old Tyler Adams moved from Red Bull New York to RB Leipzig in late 2018, the transfer fee, according to Transfermarkt, was a mere $5 million, although one suspected there was a "satellite club discount" given that both teams are under the Red Bull umbrella. Gozo's fee tripled that amount. (The transfer of Australia international Lucas Herrington from the Colorado Rapids to Hull City earned even more -- $18 million.)

The increases make sense. The years since Adams' move have seen youth team methodologies and depth of overseas contacts continue to mature. The change in calendar, and its full alignment with the various European transfer windows, is expected to lead to even more deals getting done. All of this leads to thoughts of who from the U.S. pool might be next to take the plunge overseas. For the purposes of this exercise, only players age 21 and under are being considered though even with that restriction, the list of candidates is still impressive.

Cavan Sullivan, a 16-year-old midfielder with Philadelphia Union, has already agreed to move to Manchester City after he turns 18 in September 2027. In 1,205 minutes of play in all competitions, he has scored three goals and recorded six assists. According to Tru Media, Sullivan's successful take-on percentage is 51.6% in all competitions, a full 10 points above the league and tournament average. Whether Sullivan moves straight to Manchester City is an open question. Some time out on loan seems to be a more logical step, but with each passing week, Sullivan is looking increasingly like an impact player.

Julian Hall, an 18-year-old forward with Red Bull New York, has scored 12 goals and added four assists in all competitions, repaying manager Michael Bradley's faith. Hall's movement and awareness of space in the penalty area make him a classic "fox in the box," but he has proven to be adept with his link play as well. Clubs overseas are taking notice, with RB Leipzig and Atlético Madrid reportedly among those expressing interest. Peyton Miller, an 18-year-old midfielder with New England Revolution, has electric pace, clocking the second-fastest top speed in the league this season at 36.9 km/h.