Corey Gibbs’ imminent return to MLS won’t send American soccer fans reaching for their seat-belts. But, here are five kind of a big deal players who might make the Stateside slide in the next year or two.

Thierry Henry: Henry was arguably the best player in England during the Premier League era (1991-present), with 230 goals over eight spectacular Arsenal seasons. However, age and a sciatic back have pulled their lump of flesh from Henry, swiping him of his prodigious zip. At Barcelona, he’s been a disillusioned flaneur. Both sides want out, but pride will keep them together for one more year, unless of course he goes to Manchester United. He loves New York, he can draw a crowd and he is friends with Steve Nash. A move next summer makes sense.

Freddie Ljungberg: The formerly slick Arsenal winger retired from international soccer, retired from international underwear modeling and was forcibly retired by English club West Ham who paid him about $16 million to leave. A return to Sweden wouldn’t be a bad deal, but LA Galaxy could entice him stateside to pair up with Beckham, though his reported $1.7m demand to finish this season could squash that option.

Andriy Shevchenko: Ukraine is not weak! But Sheva has been since signing with Chelsea for $60 million in 2006. The 31-year-old striker has scored just nine times in 47 appearances over two seasons in the Premier League, after being named European Player of the Year with A.C. Milan as recently as 2004. Rumors, with little juice, have placed him on loan with second-tier English and Italian teams, though he’ll likely once again live out his personal Ibsen play in the Chelsea reserves. His wife is an American model, and a move to the United States might perk him up a bit.

Luis Figo: The former Portugal captain has a resume as impressive as any. He’s played for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, winning seven domestic titles and a Champions League crown. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2000. Turning 36 in Novemeber, this European season is likely his last. Though still technically gifted, he can no longer move, which, as Blanco has proved, is not essential in MLS. Figo’s long been rumored to team up once again with Beckham. The question, as always, will be whether MLS can pay enough to thwart more lucrative offers from places such as Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo: Ronaldo is well known in America, first for his flashy goals and more recently for his flashy lifestyle (Hey, it could happen to anyone). Injuries robbed him of his potential, but he was still healthy enough to win three World Player of the Year awards. Though a bit on the chubby side, he still scores regularly, at least until his knees self-destruct. Ronaldo scoffed at a 10-year $120 million offer from MLS in 2006, but, currently without a club, even a significantly less lucrative contract won’t sound so bad.