Brenden Aaronson of Leeds United was one of many players singled out by members of the media as a major underachievers on the team when Gregg Berhalter was fired. Currently with 44 caps and 8 goals, the winger has suffered from a major drop in form during his last two years at both Leeds and Union Berlin.

Now back with Leeds, Aaronson has elevated his game on the left wing and has 2 goals in 9 games for his team, looking to bounce back. That upgrade in level was seen firsthand by Pochettino, who in a press conference last week pointed to Aaronson as one of many players he wants to “test” and “build back up.”

Brenden Aaronson on Mauricio Pochettino

As the team assembled this week for their two friendlies against Panama and Mexico, Mauricio Pochettino has been working hard with the team, and US Soccer has uploaded videos on social media showcasing the drills the team is running. For Aaronson, he has already seen how things are different under Pochettino’s leadership.

In speaking with TJ Sports USA, Aaronson said, “The last couple of days getting to know him, getting to know the whole staff around him, has been really good. Feel like we’ve already learned a lot; we learned about the style of play we wanna play today at training. I think everyone is ready to learn from him. You can just see the buzz and its excitement, so it’s really good.”

Mauricio Pochettino and Brenden Aaronson share a strangely similar story; both were at one time observed by Marcelo Bielsa. Bielsa traveled to Murphy when Pochettino was a boy to bring him to Newell’s Old Boys.

In the case of Aaronson, indirectly, it was Bielsa who had approved to the Leeds board to sign the American after watching him play for Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg. By the time Aaronson arrived at Leeds, Bielsa had left the club, but the decision to bring the American occurred long before Jesse Marsch had arrived.

American Jesse Marsch’s run at the club was full of a lot of hot air and little results, despite that the three USMNT players have all contributed to Leeds staying alive, most notably Tyler Adams who is one of Leeds best players.

Fellow USMNT star Brenden Aaronson is another player who had seen his level of play drop during the season after a very solid start, now after his match against Southampton, Javi Gracialiked what he is seeing from the talented American.

Javi Graciaon Brenden Aaronson

In the post-game match Graciamentioned, “The reason Brenden played was that he trained really well and he deserved to play. He played a very good game in my opinion”.

Aaronson has 1 goal and 2 assist in 23 matches for Leeds in his first season. The quick American was first reviewed under Marcelo Bielsa, the Argentine coach approved of trying to bring Aaronson in the winter, but that move could not happen due to Aaronson’s previous club Red Bull Salzburg still being alive in that season’s Champions League.

Aaronson created the most chances in the match with two, and to many pundits could be that mental boost he needed after a rough winter and start to the year.

Then there is USMNT star Brenden Aaronson who is on his way to Leeds United and Coutinho is sticking around Aston Villa as well.

Of the top 10 summer transfers so far four are players staying or heading to the Premier League. Here is a breakdown of the top 10 summer transfers so far.

10 top summer transfers as per Transfermarkt

At number 10 we have Coutinho who finalized his move to Aston Villa from Barcelona at 20 million euros. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck is one of two major pick up ‘s by Borussia Dortmund also at 20 million euros.

Jérémie Boga of the Ivory Coast will continue his career in Serie A at Atalanta from Sassuolo for a confirmed 22 million euros. Joaquín Correa made his move to Inter Milan permanent as the forward was sold for 23.6 million euros.

Karim Adeyemi move to Borussia Dortmund in May for a reported 30 million euros from Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. Sevilla defender Diego Carlos is trading Spain for England as he was sold to Aston Villa for 31 million euros.

USMNT attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson was one of the biggest transfers in the summer at 32.8 million euros moving from Austria to Leeds United. While young left back Nuno Mendes made his PSG loan permanent with a 38-million-euro price tag.

Federico Chiesa was another player that made his move a permanent one with a 40 million euro transfer from Fiorentina to Juventus. Then the top transfer of the summer so far is Erling Haaland, finally leaving Germany for the bright lights of Manchester City at 75 million euros.

It has been in Austria where the attacking midfielder has honed his skills, in only 1 and a half seasons, Aaronson has become an invaluable player for Salzburg. This season it has been more of the same for the 21-year-old, more attacking, more speed down the flanks, but a lot more confidence, none more evident than a superb performance against German champions Bayern Munich in the 1-1 draw in leg 1 of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. Aaronson had an assist in that game and later domestically has scored in back-to-back games. In total in 2021/22 Aaronson has 3 goals in 18 games, recording 5 assists for Salzburg. In 20 games last year he had 5 goals and 5 assists, he will surely surpass thatmark this season.

Aaronson’s play has caught the eye of Leeds United, who have publicly made bids for the player, but quietly he is being monitored by Italian giants AC Milan who were turned away by his growing price tag but if they want the USMNT player they may have no choice.

Brenden Aaronson transfer value

Brenden Aaronson was sold from the Philadelphia Union to Red Bull Salzburg for what now seems like a bargain $6.5 million. Today his transfer value is at $13.5 million but Salzburg has already turned away a $20 million offer from Leeds United, stating he won’t be transferred this season.

Rumors have indicated that the Austrian side will be willing to sell the American between the ranges of $20-25 million, especially considering the type of clubs that are interested. Leeds United have pushed the most, and with rumors that Jesse Marsch could replace Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, it makes a move to the Premier League a no brainer.

AC Milan on the other hand has quietly kept tabs on Aaronson, with the $20 million price tag being seen as too much the performance against Bayern Munich and his steady performances in Champions League soccer are making the Serie A giants think twice.

Brenden Aaronson is known for his quick pace and taking the game to opposing defenders, rushing into the attack from the flanks or middle of the park. Known for his hustle and foot skill, Aaronson does like to drop back and help on defense to quickly get into the attack. Aaronson has improved his shooting and pace ability since his move to Europe.

Players under Bielsa become better, at Leeds the biggest success cases are Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford, and Raphinha, where Tite has gone out of his way to praise the work of Marcelo Bielsa, but Bielsa has poured cold water on a possible contract extension at the club for the time begin.

For Brenden Aaronson, after spending two very successful seasons at Red Bull Salzburg, the next destination could be his biggest. Aaronson was on Leeds shortlist in the winter and will continue to be on their list in the summer, but the American also has interest elsewhere.

Brenden Aaronson to have a red-hot summer

Brenden Aaronson was deemed non-transferable during the winter by Salzburg, who are still alive in the Champions League and looking to wrap up yet another league title, it would be Aaronson’s second at the club. Leeds United is reportedly willing to spend over $25 million on Brenden Aaronson, but with Red Bull Salzburg still in the Champions League, a move in the winter looks doubtful but, in the summer, could very much still happen according to SkySports.

Brenden Aaronson also has interest from Serie A powerhouse AC Milan, who are said to be keeping an eye on the American midfielder, the only issue is the price tag as AC Milan is not keen on buying Brenden Aaronson for over $20 million.

Ricardo Pepi, Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson, and George Bello are the current batch of players that could be on the move in the winter. Various reports confirm transfer talk, although some are wishful thinking others are hot as hot can be.

Here is the current status of these four USMNT players chances of moving and based on the reports we have classified them as hot, medium, or cold.

Ricardo Pepi – Wolfsburg – HOT

Steaming hot, Pepi has been the subject of various transfer rumors from clubs like Manchester United to AC Milan. Wolfsburg has popped up now and again and kept their cool on the USMNT forward. Now Fabrizio Romano is reporting that talks are well advanced, and that Wolfsburg is the ‘most likely’ destination for Pepi. The Pepi camp have been pushing for a move and Wolfsburg, which has been USMNT friendly in the past, seems like a good fit.

Weston McKennie – Tottenham Hotspur – Medium

Here we go again, AS in Spain is reporting that USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie is once again on Spurs shortlist. McKennie is having a great year for Juventus and has been the team’s lone bright spot. Juventus will want to cash in on the USMNT who may be the only player at the club currently who has actually increased his value. But a winter move? Juventus will need a lot from McKennie down the stretch to try to get the team to Champions League positions, this smells like a summer move. Juventus is asking for 35 million euros for the box-to-box midfielder.

Brenden Aaronson – AC Milan (Cold), Leeds United (Cold), RB Leipzig (Hot)

Brenden Aaronson has a huge future, playing very well in the Champions League for Salzburg and the USMNT. AC Milan is reported to like the American but the asking price for them may be too big. Leeds United are facing relegation and playing under Bielsa might be tempting but really will Bielsa stay past this season? RB Leipzig on the other hand keeps it within the family. Aaronson will most likely move to Germany unless Milan pays the big bucks. The reports indicate that Aaronson will move on this summer, where? That really depends on the checkbook.

George Bello – Watford – Medium

The Telegraph have it that George Bello could be Premier League bound, at least for six months, if Watford can avoid the drop. Claudio Ranieri is reportedly looking to add a left back, and Atlanta United have prepared themselves for Bello’s departure with the return from loan of Andrew Gutman. Bello would command a small transfer, but some cash influx for Atlanta United. If the numbers add up this could get done.

The Champions League is also the stage for future talents to display what they are made of. Many players break on to the scene with their displays in their respective Champions League matches and catch the eye of fans all over the world.

Here we will review 5 players to keep an eye on in what is left of the Group stage and beyond in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League. Some will get to the next round and others may not, but that does not mean that their talents have gone unnoticed. Here are 5 prospects of the Champions League.

Darwin Núñez

With 3 goals in the competition and a chance to make it to the next round, Uruguayan Darwin Núñez is a player to watch. The 22-year-old has drawn comparisons to Edinson Cavani and has already scored for the Uruguayan national team. A skilled forward with his feet and head, Núñez is said to be on the radar of various teams in Serie A.

Brenden Aaronson

USMNT midfielder Brenden Aaronson is a quick and pacey player that has speed and vision. Aaronson has been sensational for Red Bull Salzburg and at 21 is on the radar of AC Milan. Aaronson is a very good setup man and has pace to score goals usually from deep runs.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szoboszlai is another Red Bull player to keep an eye on as the speedy midfielder is now lighting it up in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig. Szoboszlai was player of the year in Austria in 2019/2020.

Sandro Tonali

AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali has worked his way up from Serie B to the top of Italy. Tonali is a work horse and has now begun his Italy career with 4 caps for the national team. Many have compared him to Andrea Pirlo.

Pedri

One of the best prospects of a down Barcelona, Pedri could be the light at the end of a dark tunnel for the club. Winner of the young player award at the Euros at 18 is a very good setup man and has 3 goals in 39 games for Barcelona.

The Rossoneri currently sit second in Serie A behind Napoli, and in Champions League action, things have not gotten off to the best of starts as they have dropped both games in Group B. Nonetheless that should not take away from the hard work the current administration has done to make AC Milan a household name once again.

Youth seems to be the credo and now according to Italian journalist Daniele Longo the club has set their sights on a 20-year-old USMNT midfielder. That midfielder is Brenden Aaronson who is currently at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. Here is the low down on AC Milan’s interest in Brenden Aaronson.

Brenden Aaronson to AC Milan

Brenden Aaronson burst onto the scene in MLS with the Philadelphia Union, and even then, his talent was abundant, playing a key role in the Supporters Shield winning side of 2020. In his two seasons with the Union, Aaronson played 57 games and scored 7 goals. In 2020 Brenden Aaronson transferred to Red Bull Salzburg for a $6 million fee and since then he has dominated the midfield for the top Austrian side.

Aaronson has played in only 29 games but has already showcased his speed and dribbling talents for his team, scoring 6 goals and winning two titles for the club. It has been the young Americans play for national team and Champions League that have peaked the interest of AC Milan. Aaronson has been clutch for the USMNT in World Cup qualifying as well as in friendlies, Aaronson has 5 goals in only 10 caps.

In the Champions League, Aaronson has shown maturity beyond his years, playing very well on Europe’s biggest stage. With clubs like AC Milan after him and his form with the USMNT it looks doubtful Aaronson will be in Austria very long.

This season a record 12 USMNT players will be a part of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Last season Christian Pulisic became the second American to win European Soccer’s biggest club prize. Now players like Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Sergiño Dest will want to continue to make history by becoming the third American to do so.

Gregg Berhalter can’t complain, he has some of his most important players playing at the highest level. This season the UEFA Champions League will be exciting to watch as fans will return to the stadiums, now with 12 USMNT players it gets even more interesting. Here is the list of all 12 USMNT players in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League.

Brenden Aaronson

Brenden Aaronson will be commanding the midfield for Red Bull Salzburg, in his short time there Aaronson has already established himself as one of the club’s better players. The Austrian team will look to at least get to the next round, but a good group showing could help Aaronson land a transfer to a bigger league.

Tyler Adams

Already a Champions League veteran Tyler Adams is back at the big stage with RB Leipzig of Germany. Adams has the skill and the talent to play at this level, the question is can he stay healthy for a whole season.

John Brooks

The USMNT defender gets a crack at Champions League action with Wolfsburg of Germany. John Brooks is entering his fifth season with the club and is one of the best defenders of the Bundesliga.

Sergiño Dest

Sergiño Dest had a lot of growing pains last season at Barcelona, this season is an opportunity to show that he has the talent and the perseverance to maintain a starting spot at Barcelona. Barcelona will be without Messi, and while the club has seen better days, Dest can still shine if he corrects some of the issues that plagued him last season.

Weston McKennie

Weston McKennie was a bright spot for Juventus last season, now in his second season what kind of role will he have? That question will be answered by Massimiliano Allegri. McKennie can play at this level no question, hopefully Allegri will find a spot for the box-to-box midfielder.

Owen Otasowie

Owen Otasowie recently signed with Club Brugge of Belgium after playing just 6 games with Wolverhampton Wanderers. At 20, Otasowie seems to have a good future ahead of him, but if he wants to crack the USMNT, getting a starting spot at Brugge and good Champions League outings will be essential.

Jordan Siebatcheu

After a great season with Young Boys on loan last season and a big goal against Honduras in the Nations League semifinal, Jordan Siebatcheu is already off to a fast start this seasonwith 2 goals in 3 games in Switzerland.

Christian Pulisic

Last season’s Champions League winner, Christian Pulisic wants to continue to show why he is the USMNT poster boy. Pulisic already scored a goal in his first game of the Premier League season and will want to hold down a starting spot for Chelsea this season.

Gio Reyna

Gio Reyna had an up and down season at Dortmund last year but showed his capacity to win his starting spot back last season, while showing the talents that have him pegged as one of the best young prospects in the world. Reyna will look for this season to be his official coming out party.

Chris Richards

Chris Richards will be in the Bayern Munich squad this season, just how much he will play will depend on many factors, nonetheless it will be a season of invaluable experience.

Zack Steffen

Zack Steffen is Manchester City’s back up goalkeeper, hopefully Guardiola will give Zack some Champions League minutes. Steffen’s chances of playing are slim unless an injury occurs.

Tim Weah

The French champion will be able to showcase his skill in the Champions League, like his father before him. Tim Weah is often used as a bench option and his goal will be to be a consistent starter for Lille.

It has been a strange 25th anniversary for the league, MLS had planned a year-long celebration to remember it’s relatively short history. Then the covid-19 pandemic hit and put many if not all celebrations on hold.

Nonetheless, some celebrations did take place and the year will culminate in an MLS Cup Champion. Here are the 25 top-selling jerseys of the 2020 Major League Soccer season.

25. Ezequiel Barco

It might be strange to see Ezequiel Barco on this list, given that he has played relatively very little in his three MLS seasons. The Argentine midfielder has show flashes of brilliance but never truly became a star in the league or in Atlanta United.

24. Cristian Roldan

The Seattle Sounders fan favorite has been a key part of their midfield since 2015. CristianRoldan has played over 150 games for Rave Green and has also played for the USMNT. Fans may be shocked to find out that Roldan is only 25, seems like he has been around forever.

23. Lucas Zelarayan

One of the best newcomers to MLS this season, Lucas Zelarayan, came from Liga MX side Tigres and has been one of the best players in the league. The Argentine scored 6 goals in 16 games, but most importantly he revitalized the Columbus Crew’s midfield.

22. Walker Zimmerman

Say what? Yeah, Walker Zimmerman, is number 22 on the list, the Nashville SC defender has been solid for the expansion franchise, even helping them get to the playoffs. Zimmerman is one of the best defenders in MLS and he is a pool player on the USMNT.

21. Cristian Pavon

The lone bright spot in a dreadful 2020 for the L.A. Galaxy, Cristian Pavoncame via loan last season from Boca Juniors and has been a highlight reel week in and week out. The Galaxy on the other hand area trainwreck, get his jersey now, the chances he returns for 2021 are slim.

20. Jonathan dos Santos

Mexican national team players are very popular in MLS, Jonathan dos Santos has been a very decent player for the L.A. Galaxy, a hard worker, and a good passer, Dos Santos stepped out of his brother’s shadow and became a main piece in the Galaxy’s midfield.

19. Chris Wondolowski

The MLS all-time leading goal scorer, Chris Wondolowski, continues to light up the nets in MLS at the age of 37. Rumors have it that he will return for 2021, although not certain for San Jose, Wondo is a shining example that Goonies never say die.

18. Johnny Russell

One of the most underrated players in MLS the Scotsman Johnny Russell has been nothing short of gold for Sporting KC. He continued to be clutch in the 2020 season scoring 6 goals in 21 games.

17. Diego Rossi

The MLS 2020 golden boot, Diego Rossi, had a breakout year for LAFC, although Rossi has gotten better in each of his three MLS seasons. Not only did he win the golden boot, but he finally got his long-awaited call up to the Uruguayan national team. Rumors have it that Rossi is Serie A bound and it looks unlikely he will return in 2021.

16. Edison Flores

The Peruvian international, Edison Flores, was supposed to take D.C. United to new heights but he along with D.C. had a poor 2020 season. Flores was injured and could only play 13 games and provide 3 assists. Flores will look to have a better 2021.

15. Nicolas Lodeiro

The Uruguayan midfielder is one of the best players in Sounders history and quite frankly one of the best number 10’s in MLS history. The two-time MLS Cup champion looks to win his third with the Sounders this season.

14. Alan Pulido

The high priced Mexican international did not disappoint in his first MLS season for Sporting KC. Alan Pulido scored 6 goals in 12 games and with one season under his belt, he will be one of the most entertaining players to watch in 2021.

13.Diego Chara

Mr. Portland Timbers, Diego Chara has been with the team since 2011, the strong and fun defensive midfielder is the heart and soul of the Timbers. At 34 he has proven very resilient to the tough grinds of MLS being one of the team fanfavorite players for well over 8 seasons.

12. Alejandro Bedoya

The Philadelphia Union captain and 2014 World Cup veteran for the USMNT, Alejandro Bedoya has been a vocal leader in Philadelphia, not only on the field but off the field. He was one of the first MLS players to speak out about social issues in the U.S. and has turned into one of the Union’s all-time best players.

11. Diego Valeri

The Argentine maestro, Diego Valeri is the Portland Timbers. No player identifies so much with their club than Valeri at Portland. Valeri has done it all in Portland, winning MLS Cup, the MLSisBack tournament, and cementing himself in the community, a class-act.

10. Brenden Aaronson

Get his jersey while you can because Brenden Aaronson is out of here. In his two seasons in MLS Aaronson has played 51 games and scored 7 goals for the Union. He has loads of talent and will transfer to RB Salzburg in Austria at season’s end. He is one of the most talented players to ever come out of MLS, and it won’t be long before he is with the USMNT.

9. Blaise Matuidi

The World Cup winner came to Inter Miami to give the team a much-needed spark. Blaise Matuidi’s hard work and leadership were instrumental in turning things around for a franchise that was going south and fast. He will be a huge piece of the puzzle in 2021.

8. Raul Ruidiaz

The Peruvian international does one thing, put the ball in the back of the net. Raul Ruidiaz has been nothing but lethal for the Sounders, scoring 33 goals in 53 matches. A fan favorite and one of the best in the league he has some highlight-reel goals in his three years in the league.

7. Nani

The former Manchester United midfielder, Nani, has reshaped Orlando City, helping them get to their first-ever MLS Cup playoffs. Nani has been a leader for Orlando City and has been extremely fun to watch this season with spectacular goals and assists.

6.Gonzalo Higuain

El Pipita comes with a pedigree few have in MLS, the Argentine international and former Juventus and Real Madrid striker is the league’s highest-paid player. Gonzalo Higuain provided a much-needed spark to an Inter Miami side in desperate need during 2020, although he scored only 1 goal his season was cut short when hetested positive for covid-19.

5. Rodolfo Pizarro

The Mexican international and teammate of Higuain’s Rodolfo Pizarro took a bit to get adjusted to MLS but with some support turned his season around and showed his class. Pizarro and Higuain were just getting started but that magic will have to wait until 2021.

4. Jordan Morris

A lot of expectations were put on Jordan Morris over the years and while he has lived up to them, the on again off again USMNT player has always been a contributor for the Seattle Sounders.

3. Josef Martinez

The most lethal target man in MLS, Josef Martinez has badly missed this season by Atlanta United, who had a dreadful 2020. Martinez will be back in 2021 and the man who scored 72 goals in 81 matches will be putting all MLS goalkeepers on alert!

2. Javier Hernandez

Well, at least Chicharito Javier Hernandez is selling jerseys, cause he hasn’t done much else in his very disappointing first MLS Season. The LA Galaxy were a mess this season and Chicharito was equally as bad, scoring 2 goals in 12 outings. He will be back in 2021 and MLS hopes they can get that egg off their face.

1. Carlos Vela

The Mexican and LAFC super star is the top-selling jersey in all of Major League Soccer. Carlos Vela has been nothing short of MVP class in MLS with great goals and strong leadership. 2020 was not LAFC’s nor Vela’s best but , in 2021 he might finally be able to lead the team to their first MLS cup.

In the last four seasonsthe league has sold some of the most prominent homegrown talents for high value, $41 million in total if you combine the transfers of Mark McKenzie, Bryan Reynolds, Brenden Aaronson, and Ricardo Pepi. There have also been high profile sales such as Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez to Al- Nassr of the Saudi Professional League for $18 million.

As the league continues to buy young up and coming South Americans and the youth academies continue to produce American prospects, one thing is for certain, MLS will continue to sell talent at a high value, the highest in their history.Who are the biggest transfers in MLS history? Take a look!

Jack Harrison – Manchester City – $4.4 Million

Jack Harrison was a standout player at NYCFC playing 55 games and scoring 14 goals. He would move to mother club Manchester City for a $4.4 million transfer fee, only to be loaned and bought by Leeds United.

Héctor Villalba – Libertad – $4.4 Million

Atlanta United’s first DP played 3 seasons for the club with 21 goals in 82 games. Villalba would move to Paraguay for a $4.4 million fee, the move was more of a cap space move than a desired transfer fee.

Carlos Gruezo to FC Augsburg – $4.6 Million

Ecuadorian defensive midfielder Carlos Gruezo played in FC Dallas from 2016-2019, when FC Augsburg of Germany came with a $4.6 million offer the club did not think twice and got some good cash for the solid midfielder.

Matt Miazga to Chelsea – $5 Million

Matt Miazga was sold from the New York Red Bulls to Chelsea in 2016 for a $5 million transfer, the defender only made 2 appearances for Chelsea and was loaned out almost every year since then. Miazga has played in Holland, France, the Championship in England, Anderlecht, and lastseason withDeportivo Alavés of Spain before returning to MLS in 2022.

Chris Richards – Bayern Munich – $5.3 Million

USMNT defender Chris Richards moved to Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich never playing a match in MLS. Richards was highly praised but could not crack the Bayern lineup due to more experienced players and is now in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

Cristian Arango – Pachuca – $5.8 Million

The former LAFC striker always seemed to be a filler player for a big name pending star. Despite scoring 30 goals in 51 games the club felt it could do better and wisely sold the Colombian to Liga MX for $5.8 million.

Mark McKenzie to Genk – $6 Million

Mark McKenzie was sold to Belgium club Genk for a club record $6 Million transfer fee after playing 48 games and scoring 2 goals for the Union. McKenzie is a future USMNT prospect and at 23made the move across the pond at the right time. He has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with Genk.

Matt Turner to Arsenal – $6 Million

In a shock move the USMNT netminderand one of MLS best keepers was sold to Arsenal of the Premier League for $6 million which could eventually end up being $10 million.

Djordje Mihailovic – AZ – $6 Million

One of the more creative American players in MLS, Djordje Mihailovic was sold in 2022 for a club record $6 million to Netherlands side AZ.

Brenden Aaronson toRed Bull Salzburg- $6.5 Million

Brenden Aaronson moved to Red Bull Salzburg from the Philadelphia Union at a $6.5 million transfer fee, Aaronson is a highly regarded USMNT prospect, the attacking midfielder has shown what he can do with 7 goals in 51games for the Union. He already has 6goals in 28caps for the USMNT and is now at Leeds United.

Gianluca Busio – $6.5 Million

Gianluca Busio’s stock rose tremendously during the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2021 and this led to a big transfer to Italian Serie A side Venezia FC for $6.5 million in direct transfer plus another $4 million in bonuses, plus Sporting get a 20% sell-on clause. Not bad!

Brian Rodríguez – Club America – $6.6 Million

Uruguayan winger Brian Rodríguez was a headache during his time in LAFC. On a record transfer fee of $8 million from Peñarol to LAFC. Rodríguez showed flashes of brilliance but never took the league by storm, scoring only 8 goals in 55 games. Rodríguez’s desire to move to Europe forced a loan to Almería, when he returned to MLS after a rough spell in Spain the midfielder came back with a better head on his shoulders but again pushed for a move to LigaMX side Club America only four months later.

Zack Steffen to Manchester City – $7 Million

The U.S.A.’s former number one goalkeeper was sold to City in the summer of 2019 for $7 million. Manchester City immediately loaned Steffen to Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany to get him playing time in hopes to have him return to the club ready for Premier League action. Since thenSteffen has been loaned toMiddlesbrough.

Tajon Buchanan to Club Brugge – $7 Million

Tajon Buchanan was sold to Club Brugge of Belgium for $7 million plus a 10% sell-on clause on August 24th 2021. The New England Revolution winger played in 61MLS games and scored 11goals before his move to Europe.

Kevin Paredes to VfL Wolfsburg – $7,350,000

19-year-old Kevin Paredes was sold to the Bundesliga side in January 2022 after only playing 41 games and scoring 3 goals with DC United. A landmark deal for a youngAmerican player.

Ismaël Koné – Watford – $8.4 Million

Ismaël Koné is a talented midfielder who played for CF Montreal for two seasons making 26 appearances and scoring 2 goals. His grace and vision of the ball were spotted by Watford who did not hesitate to buy his contract, since then Ismaël Koné has hit the ground running at his new club.

Bryan Reynolds to AS Roma – $8.5 million

FC Dallas broke the 2021 transfer market when they sold 21-year-oldhomegrown right back Bryan Reynolds to AS Roma for a club-record fee $8.5 million according to some sources. Reynolds has been with F.C. Dallas since 2017 and played a total of 27 games for the club before making his big move to Serie A and is now on loan to K. V. C. Westerlo.

Daryl Dike to West Bromwich Albion – $9.5 Million

Not quite what MLS and Orlando City may have wanted for the big target man, but with very little true interest Daryl Dike was sold for $9.5 million to West Bromwich Albion. Dike signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the club. In MLS, Dike scored 18 goals in only 35 games.

Jozy Altidore to Villarreal – $10 Million

Jozy Altidore’s transfer to Villarreal was executed in 2008 and for a league-high $10 million at the time. Altidore’s time in Spain was largely insignificant as he bounced around on loan for three years. Altidore did have a resurgence in the Netherlands, wherehe played for AZ for two seasons, scoring39 goals in 67 appearances before a move to the EPL where he scored only 1 goal in 42 outings for Sunderland.

Diego Rossi toFenerbahce- $10 Million

Uruguayan striker Diego Rossi finally moved to Fenerbahce in Turkey for a reported $10 million in April of 2022. The deal took a long time to materialize due it being an initial six-month loan. Rossi was a highlight forward in MLS and LAFC scoring 48 goals in 104games and winning the Golden Boot in 2020.

Adam Buksa to RC Lens – $10Million

The Polish striker played two and a half seasons with the New England Revolution and left in June of 2022. Buksa played 64 games and netted 29 goals for the club helping the Revs capture the 2021 Supporters Shield.

Gabriel Slonina – Chelsea – $10 Million

Considered to be one of the best goalkeeping prospects in the world, Gabriel Slonina was sold to Chelsea for $10 million in the summer of 2022, he stayed for the poor Chicago Fire until January 2023. Slonina is slated to be loan for the 23/24 season.

Alphonso Davies to Bayern Munich – $13.5 Million

Alphonso Davies is becoming MLS’s best export, at 18 he had already played 65 games for the Vancouver Whitecaps and was an MLS All-Star. Bayern Munich had been observing him heavily and pulled the trigger in July 2018 and purchased the Canadianinternational for $13.5 million. The deal could end up being $22 million if Davies hits certain objectives. Davies has won 12titles since his move to Germany and is the starting left back at Bayern Munich.

Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martínez toAl- Nassr- $18 million

The Argentine attacker came to MLS as the 2018 South American Footballer of the year and was brought in at a $13 million transfer from River Plate of Argentina. Pity Martinez’s time in MLS can largely be summed up as disappointing, Atlanta United had high hopes for him, especially after River Plate’s run in the 2018 Copa Libertadores. Martínez never fully became adjusted to the league and often was played out of position under Frank de Boer.

In total Martinez played 39 games for Atlanta United and scored 7 goals and provided 11 assists, his play was largely inconsistent and he never really became the dominant player the team had intended.

Jhon Duran – Aston Villa – $18 Million

The Colombian prospect joined the Chicago Fire for only one season scoring 8 goals in 27 games. The speed, power, and finishing of Jhon Duran were evident as he was a standout player on a bad team. Now in England, Jhon Duran will look to continue to skyrocket in the best league in the world.

Ricardo Pepi to FC Augsburg – $20 Million

In an unexpected transfer to FC Augsburg, USMNT sensation Ricardo Pepi made a huge $20 million transfer to the Bundesliga side. Pepi had a meteoric rise in 2021 and it was capped off with a huge transfer to FC Augsburg. Pepi was the subject of moves to Ajax, Wolfsburg, who came the closest to signing him, Liverpool, Manchester United among others. In MLS, Pepi scored 15 goals in 55 games.

Miguel Almirón to Newcastle United – $27 million

Miguel Almirón is the largest outgoing transfer to date in MLS. The Paraguayan midfielder was explosive with highlight-reel goals and speed that left the best defenders in MLS eating his dust.Almirón played two seasons at Atlanta United winning MLS cup in 2018, he scored 21 goals in 62 appearances.