players? or do MLS clubs not get compensation if their players leave for europe? i'm just thinking about players like raheem sterling who spent his time in the youth ranks at QPR before being signed by liverpool.

i understand MLS wanting to hang on to their players to not only protect their investment but also strengthen their brand, but they are going to be hard-pressed to fight the reality of the big fish always eating the little fish.

but the ancillary benefit should be that the money they get for these players can be re-invested in the league, some players will get experience in europe and come back still in their prime, lifting the quality of play in MLS, and a minority of US players that leave will blow up and not return til they are past their peak.