Former Aberdeen midfielder Stephen Glass believes Gary Mackay-Steven will find it difficult to walk away from Pittodrie this summer.
The Dons winger is in the final six months of his contract with the club and US Major League Soccer side New York City hope to lure the midfielder to the Big Apple.
Johnny Russell, Danny Wilson and Sam Nicholson are three Scots currently plying their trade across the Atlantic and Glass, head coach at Atlanta United’s academy, is not surprised to see clubs showing more of an interest in Scottish players.
However, the 42-year-old, who has been working in the US since 2011, believes the Dons winger will be torn about whether to leave Pittodrie for a new challenge in the States.
He said: “The US has become a realistic option for players now for a number of reasons. We’re producing good players in Scotland and the MLS is a league which is growing in terms of interest locally and profile internationally. You can watch the games in the UK now.
“It’s also testament to the profile Aberdeen have. Niall McGinn tried a new experience in South Korea 18 months ago and he was able to do that because he was playing for an Aberdeen team competing at the top of the league and contesting cup finals.
“It has been players coming towards the end of their careers previously who have come to the MLS and there might be marginally more money on offer out here but I know Aberdeen are paying their players well.
“Aberdeen is still a viable option for a player and it is a big decision Gary would have to weigh up in terms of uprooting and coming out here.
“Aberdeen is not an easy club to leave; you could easily finish your career there and the reputation of playing for a club of that stature can open doors for you after your playing career has ended.
“Playing for Aberdeen is a well-paid job which enhances your CV and that’s why not a lot of guys have jumped from Pittodrie in a hurry.”
Monday was the first day of pre-season for the players at Glass’ club Atlanta, led by new manager Frank de Boer.
The MLS Cup winners, who compete in the Eastern Conference, are a club with big plans and Glass is excited by his club’s future.
He said: “We’re just starting our pre-season now and it’s a big week for the club with the new manager being paraded in front of the media and it was shown live on TV.
“It’s an exciting time for the club and we’re getting real publicity now after establishing ourselves in the division.
“That’s why clubs out here have become an option but as I said leaving Aberdeen is a big decision and one I’m sure no player makes lightly.”
