cover photo belongs to Felipe Oliveira / EC Bahia
Following the previous summer report on potential signings for MLS, Everybody Soccer returns with another scouting report on possible foreign goalkeepers for MLS teams. The US’s top league has finally started to explore more avenues when it comes to buying and selling players, both domestic and foreign.
Eligible goalkeepers were limited to (1) being over 21 years old, (2) listed as having less than a $1,000,000 market value by Transfermarkt, and (3) ones that would have the highest possibility of being re-sold by an MLS team. Additionally, certain eligible goalkeepers were removed from inclusion, as moving to MLS didn’t make feasible sense for the stage they’re currently at in their career.
Matheus Teixeira - EC Bahia (22)
Photo: Felipe Oliveira/EC Bahia
Nationality: Brazil
Transfermarkt Listing: $550,000
MLS equivalent: Josh Cohen
After notching only three shutouts in 17 matches this season, EC Bahia pulled the plug on the young Brazilian in goal, opting for more experience in net. Teixeira picked up a couple of cup matches with the Brazilian club thereafter and, despite the depth chart shuffling, still ended up with 29 matches over the last 9 months. Teixeira doesn’t carry the same prestige as some other notable Brazilian goalkeepers in Europe but don’t mistake him for not having talent. The young keeper performed well in his first season as a starter at a first division club, especially considering how many shots his defense conceded. Teixeira has a bit of chaotic energy but he bottles it well until the time is right, displaying a good sense of patience vs. aggressiveness. Teixeira would do well with more playing time, not less, and MLS might be an appropriate home down the line. (Highlights)
Stefan Drljaca - Dortmund (22)
Nationality: Serbia
Transfermarkt Listing: $275,000
MLS equivalent: Steve Clark
Unless Dortmund is looking to commit to a longer developmental track, the 22-year-old Serbian goalkeeper is most likely ending his time with Dortmund soon. Drljaca originally joined Dortmund for free back in the summer of 2020 but his playing time with BVB has been limited since his arrival. Similar to Steve Clark, Drljaca has a knack for making non-textbook saves but saves nonetheless. If Drljaca is winding down at Dortmund, which TM says his contract extends to this upcoming summer, MLS could be a suitable next step. (Highlights)
Vasilios Athanasiou - PAS Giannina (22)
Nationality: Greece
Transfermarkt Listing: $55,000
MLS equivalent: Stefan Cleveland
The former U19 Greek YTN goalkeeper hasn’t had much to do since leaving Italy for PAS Giannina, picking up only a handful of matches over the past couple of years. Athanasiou has a smooth fluidness to him that aids his ability to cover the entire goal mouth but he needs opportunities to prove his worth. Athanasiou is at a point where he could utilize more minutes and with his track record of trying his hand in another country, a possible loan-turned-transfer deal might be a viable option. As listed by TM, Athanasiou’s contract runs up in two summers. For a backup goalkeeper with no clear path forward in the club, MLS could be a welcomed destination for the young goalkeeper.
Catalin Cabuz - AFC Chindia Targoviste (25)
Nationality: Romania
Transfermarkt Listing: $440,000
MLS equivalent: Matt Reis
Although Cabuz just signed with Romanian club AFC Chindia Targoviste, it was on a free transfer and reportedly only through summer 2023. For a talented goalkeeper who doesn’t have interest outside his domestic league and posssses little traction with the national team, Cabuz might try his hand at a more competitive league. The former U21 Romanian goalkeeper is a little undersized - standing at just 6’0” - but plays the position like a typical undersized goalkeeper: quick and mobile. As MLS has hosted a number of shorter goalkeepers with successful careers (Reis, Rimando, Busch), Cabuz and MLS could be a good fit, if Chindia is willing to let him go for a reasonable price.
Nils-Jonathan Körber - Hertha BSC (25)
Nationality: Germany
Transfermarkt Listing: $385,000
MLS equivalent: Brad Stuver
The 25-year-old goalkeeper is reportedly in the twilight of his contract with Hertha BSC and rumored to be leaving the club at the end of the season. Realistically, his next jump will likely be two a second or third division club in Germany. However, considering that an MLS team could pick him up for a low cost, if not outright free, the former German U21 goalkeeper could compete for a starting spot sooner than later here in the US. The lanky goalkeeper checks a lot of boxes, although his lack of playing time will make it difficult for teams to buy in on the German.