The 2025 Leagues Cup entered its third year in the tournament's second era with a two-nation format that bolsters smaller Mexican teams and showcases emerging MLS players. A new format pairing MLS teams with Mexican counterparts in group stages and quarterfinals has driven increased interest from Mexican clubs. MLS sources reported a noticeable spike in scouting attention after matches against Tigres and noted certain MLS players offer physical attributes uncommon in Liga MX. European clubs remain somewhat uncertain about MLS quality, though transfers from MLS to Europe for significant fees and prime-age European signings to MLS are rising. Recent moves include Pedro Vite to Pumas UNAM and Patrick Agyemang to Derby County.
"I will say that we definitely saw a big spike after playing against Tigres in the Champions Cup," an MLS general manager told ESPN. "I think we have some guys on our roster that offer physical qualities that you don't see on the regular in Liga MX, and I know there are a few teams who're gonna look at a couple of our guys as we go into these next few games."
"But with respect to outbound interest, it's really massive," the source added. "I do think that there's still a bit of uncertainty from the part of European clubs, and international clubs generally, about the level of MLS and the quality of our players. We're starting to see a lot more players going from MLS to Europe for big money, which I think is a positive sign. And we're seeing more players come from Europe in the prime of their careers."
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