Most Expensive Transfers in MLS history

MLS has exceeded all expectations with its quality of football and growing fans across North America and beyond. The arrival of players like Lionel Messi, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Sergio Busquets has taken the league to new heights.

Today we take a look at the most expensive transfers in MLS history.

1. Thiago Almada – Atlanta United

Thiago Almada joined Atlanta United from Vélez Sarsfield for a fee of $15.9 million. The Argentine forward was announced in the summer of 2020 and quickly impressed the Atlanta faithful with his pace and creativity.

Atlanta beat the competition from top European clubs to secure Almada’s services. The 23-year-old was compared with Lionel Messi during his days in Argentina and the signing was a testament to how far the league has grown in recent years.

2. Pity Martínez – Atlanta United

The second most expensive signing in MLS history was also made by Atlanta United in the winter transfer window of 2019 when they announced the arrival of Pity Martínez from River Plate. The deal was reportedly worth $15.9 million. The Five Stripes secured his services and were hopeful that the Argentine would replicate his River Plate form at Atlanta United.

However, Martínez struggled to make an impact in North America and switched to Saudi Pro League to join Al-Nassr. He was sold for a reported fee of $18.0 million which was itself a record for one of the most expensive outgoing transfers from the MLS.

3. Esequiel Barco – Atlanta United

The honor of the third most expensive signing in MLS history goes to Atlanta United FC. The club signed Ezequiel Barco in the winter of 2018 from Independiente for a reported fee of $15.0 million. Barco impressed everyone in his debut season and was one of the integral parts of Atlanta’s attack.

However, his performances took a downward turn since 2020 resulting in him having to start games from the bench. The injury, while on international duty further escalated his problems and he was eventually loaned out to River Plate in 2023. The move became permanent in 2024.

4. Brenner – FC Cincinnati

Brenner was signed by FC Cincinnati in the winter transfer window of 2021 for a fee of a reported $12.9 million. Brenner was one of the finest strikers in Sao Paulo and his arrival was seen as a major step forward for the Ohio-based team. He gave a hard time to defenders through his physicality and eye for goal.

As he continued to wrack up numbers at Cincinnati, he became unhappy at the club at handed in a transfer request in 2022. In the 2023-24 season, his wish was granted and he made a move to Serie A side Udinese.

5. Luiz Araújo – Atlanta United

Atlanta United signed Luiz Araújo from Lille for a fee of $12.5 million in the summer transfer window of 2022. He helped Lille to win its 4th league title in club history. Araújo showed some glimpses of his Ligue 1 form making 24 goal involvements in 63 games. He was lethal down the right-hand side of Atlanta and was known for his vision to find the teammate.

However, he never really seemed to gel together with Atlanta United leading to the Brazilian’s departure in the summer of 2023 joining Brazilian giants Flamengo.

6. Rodolfo Pizarro – Inter Miami

Rodolfo Pizarro switched from Monterrey to Inter Miami in the winter transfer window of 2020 for a reported fee of $12.0 million. The Mexican international came in with a wealth of experience and was part of the Mexican midfield when they triumphed in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Mexican, however, failed to replicate his achievements in North America as he was guilty of losing the ball continuously in the midfield. Pizarro ended up leaving Miami in 2023 in a mutual consent.

7. Brian Rodríguez – LAFC

Brian Rodríguez joined LAFC from Peñarol for a reported fee of $11.4 million. The Uruguayan impressed during his first season at the club in 2019 and helped them lift the Supporter’s Shield. Following the dip in performance in the next season, he was loaned out to Spain’s second-division side Almeria.

After returning to LAFC, he struggled to break into the starting XI due to the arrival of Gareth Bale and Denis Bouanga. In the summer of 2022, Rodríguez made a permanent switch to Club America of Liga MX for a reported fee of $6 million.

8. Cucho Hernández – Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew signed Cucho Hernández from English side Watford FC in the summer of 2022. He joined the Americans for a reported fee of $10.4 million. He introduced himself to the fans by scoring an 83rd-minute winner against Chicago Sky. In his first season, he made 16 appearances scoring nine goals and three assists.

The 25-year-old has continued his good this season. He has scored 11 goals and 6 assists in 15 appearances in the MLS season this season.

9. Evander – Portland Timbers

Evander was signed by the Portland Timbers from FC Midtjylland in 2023 for a reported fee of $10.3 million. Evander made his name at a very young stage helping Brazil’s U17 team to lift the Under-17 South American Championship. He was the top assist provider in the UEFA Europa League 2022 for Midtjylland.

In the 2023 season, he made 29 appearances in all competitions scoring 11 goals in the process. This season he scored 6 goals so far from 11 appearances. The 26-year-old has a big future ahead of him and said his dream is to represent Brazil’s National side at the highest level.

10. Alejandro Pozuelo – Toronto FC

Alejandro Pozuelo joined Toronto FC for a fee of $10 million from Genk in 2019. Pozuelo made a fairytale start to life at MLS scoring 2 goals on his debut – one Panenka-style spot kick and the other a beautifully chipped shot over the goalkeeper’s head. With 12 goals, he finished his debut season as his team’s leading goalscorer.

He continued to impress and started every single game of the 2020 season. He scored nine goals and provided 10 assists and was named in the Best XI of MLS for a second consecutive year.

In the summer of 2022, Pozuelo made a switch to Inter Miami.

Read More: Top 10 Highest Paid Players in MLS 2024