This path has also recently been used by Polish players looking to find a bridge deal into Europe's top-5 leagues. These players are essentially too good to stay in Poland but also not good enough yet for a top European league. A report from Meczyki on Wednesday said Legia Warszawa's Bartosz Slisz is close to a deal with Atlanta United.
Przemysław Frankowski took the usual leap from Polish ekstraklasa to the MLS in 2019 when he joined the Chicago Fire. Frankowski played two and a half seasons in Chicago, becoming one of the leagues best wing-backs. In his first season, Frankowski had 9 assists. More importantly, he developed a better understanding for physicality and fitness, Frankowski became a work horse and improved his defensive play. This allowed Frankowski not only to make a move to Ligue 1 Lens, but also be better prepared for what to expect when he arrived.
Frankowski's time with Lens has been a massive success. He has also been a constant player on the Polish NT and was a vital player in Lens' second place finish in the 2022/23 season.
Similarly, Adam Buksa joined the New England Revolution in 2020 after bouncing around several ekstraklasa teams. Coming to MLS is not only seen as a potential transition league for these players but it's also a nice pay raise. Buksa in the 2021 season scored 17 goals for New England which caught the attention of many scouts in Europe. Not only did Buksa prove he can score in a more physical league, but also worked on several of his flaws, such as pace of game and build up his lower body strength. As a result, Europe came calling and Buksa was transferred to Lens. Unfortunately, he suffered a season ending injury and was unable to provide much for Lens, but has been loaned to the Turkish league where he has 8 goals in 16 matches for Antalysapor. He is expected back at Lens next summer.
Karol Swiderski peaked in Greece with PAOK. After two straight seasons scoring 11 goals, his form suffered. In his last season with PAOK, Swiderski scored 4 goals in 16 matches. usually coming off the bench. A return to any serious football in Europe or even the national team seemed long fetched. Swiderski made the move to Charlotte in 2022 where he appeared in 62 matches, scoring 22 goals and adding 11 assists. He has been a constant on the Polish national team, and arguably the most consistent player and is poised with a return to Europe's top-5 leagues this January, most likely to the German bundesliga or Italy's Serie A.
The next Polish-MLS success story is likely Matuesz Bogusz. After years in the La Liga 2, including returning from a major injury, Bogusz joined Los Angeles FC last winter. By all accounts, Bogusz had a very successful first season, played with confidence and good pace. Was good with give-n-goes and was a constant play-developer. In his first season, Bogusz finished with 3 goals and 5 assists in 33 matches. After just one season in MLS, Bogusz has already attracted interest from Europe. If he stays for a second season, he could be poised for a breakout season and a return to Europe and also a debut with the Polish NT.
As for Slisz, he is a defensive midfielder, who isn't afraid to move forward and join the attack. He's at his best with quick short passes and he's excellent in off-ball movement. He is a fast player, the quicker the build-up, the more he excels. For a player his size, Slisz has a underrated aerial game as well. And he's a confident player who plays with a lot of swagger. He fits the Atlanta United game-play really nicely and should have instant chemistry with star player Thiago Almada who has many similar traits as Slisz.
In a recent interview with YouTube channel Food Truck, Slisz admitted he felt like he peaked at Legia and needed a new challenge and to push himself. Certainly he's not a complete player and he recognizes that. Also a quicker path to regular playing time then joining a bottom table Serie A club. And, he can learn some of the training methods and techniques used in America that have helped others before him have success later. Financially, moving to MLS is also better for Slisz. One, or at most two seasons in Atlanta, and Slisz will be back playing on European fields.
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