Ezequiel Barco’s arrival to MLS was a rollercoaster ride, a transfer saga and eventually he would become the league’s second highest import. Atlanta United paid $13.5 Million for the Argentine youth international. To say that Barco’s first three seasons in MLS were a disappointment is an understatement, the surprise great game was lumped together with often lackluster performances, injuries, and a disciplinary hiatus under Tata Martino.

Under Frank de Boer, Barco did little to shine, under Gabriel Heinze he was gone when the former Velez manager was sacked, now under Gonzalo Pineda it’s a whole new Barco. The now 22-year-old has scored or assisted on 11 of Atlanta United’s past 17 goals. What’s behind Barco’s turnaround? Find out here.

Ezequiel Barco’s 2021 turnaround

In an article written by Atlanta Journal Constitution journalist Doug Roberson, Barco is a happy man. “I’m very happy in Atlanta… with the team and the whole coaching staff, I’m very happy and in a good moment where I’m happy. It was tough for me to find happiness in Atlanta, and today, as I said, my teammates and all the people at the club are helping me to be comfortable, calm and with confidence.”

Of all of Atlanta United’s biggest imports it has been Barco who seemed to struggle the most, despite the flashes of brilliance Barco never dominated MLS play as the player who scored the game winning goal for Independiente in the Copa Sudamericana final. In fact, Barco despite all his ups and downs was still called into the Argentine youth squads and made the Summer Olympic roster. Given how things were going in MLS it was the five stripes only bet to sell Barco for a fee remotely close to what they paid for him in 2018.

For many pundits seeing Barco play so under his potential led to speculation that lighting may not strike twice and that a possible suitor for the silky midfielder might be hard to come by. Given the idea was to sell Barco for a high rate to Europe. Unlike Pity Martinez, Atlanta United’s other disappointing DP signing, a team from Saudi Arabia paid $18 million for the underachieving former South American player of the year. Unless a deal like that would come in, the chances Barco could go for over $20 million was wishful thinking. Or to sell him to a top European club, like has been the clubs intention looked remote as well. A far cry from the $27 million paid for Miguel Almirón by Newcastle United of the Premier League.

“I’ve been preparing myself to be well physically and mentally and able to help the team in the best way I can,” Barco said, and it shows his 2021 season has seen him play 17 games, score 7 goals and provide a career high 6 assists as Atlanta United continue to climb the standings. At this rate Barco could very well be in line to be the league’s comeback player of the year.

Barco, who signed a long-term deal with Atlanta United is the next player the club would like to sell to Europe and recuperate their initial big-time investment. In total Barco has played 73 MLS games and has 17 goals and 15 assists, not bad for a young player in his early 20’s but at times below average production from a player many had dubbed one of the best under-20 players in the world just two seasons ago and hailing from the land of Lionel Messi.

Along with Miles Robinson, Santiago Sosa, and George Bello, Barco is again on a team that is hot and climbing the standings, only two points away from third place in the East, all four of those young players can not only help their team but showcase their talents to move on to bigger and better things in Europe, another part of the Atlanta United equation.

Until then, finally the Barco has docked at the port, and it is finally looking like the luxury ship that was supposed to elevate Atlanta United.

On its 26th anniversary, the best soccer competition in the US will be having great superstars throughout the league as it keeps improving each year. There were some impressive signings in preseason, such as Brazilian wonderkid Brenner to Cincinnati, or Argentinian promising midfielder Santiago Sosa with Atlanta United.

Ahead of the new campaignthat is about to kick off, here we’ll take a look into the eleven players who have the highest market values, with the figures provided by TransferMarkt. Probably you’ll be impressed to see some big names missing this list, like Chicharito Hernández, Blaise Matuidi, and the newcomerAlexandre Pato. However, it’s time to check out who these players are.

11. Brenner – FC Cincinnati

Market Value: €9 million

Arguably the most interesting signing in preseason, FC Cincinnatisecured a great forward by bringing in the Brazilian striker who dazzled with giants Sao Paulo recently. Brenner only has 21 years of age but heads to the MLS after an incredible breakthrough year with his former team.

He scored 22 goals in 38 games with the Tricolor, and landed to Cincinnati with a$15 million transfer fee. Those figures speaka lot about the potential Brenner has, and he could be a great boost for the league this season.

10. Alan Pulido – Sporting Kansas City

Market value: €9 million

The Mexican was a great addition to the MLS after being signed from the Liga MX, where he had an extremely successful spell between Tigres and Chivas. His market value has been rising since he moved to Kansas City, where he netted seven times in 14 games.

Alan Pulido is about to take part in his third campaign in the US, and if he keeps with such form, his current value probably will keep on increasing. Meanwhile, he is a great asset for the Mexico national team as well.

9. Lucas Zelarayán – Columbus Crew

Market value: €10 million

The Argentine heads to a new year in the MLS after being crowned with Columbus Crewin great fashion. He provided four goals in 2020 regular season and was influential to help his team lift the trophy with a brace in the final.

Zelarayán was acquired from Tigres UANL already as a proven great offensive midfielder, and he showed his signing was worthy. Columbus already earned a trophy with him on the pitch, and at his 28 years of age, ‘El Chino’ is prepared to keep with his great performances.

8 – Rodolfo Pizarro – Inter Miami

Market value: €10 million

Pizarro was one of the first big signings from David Beckham’s Inter Miami for the team’s inaugural season.The Mexico international player was granted the No. 10 as soon as he arrived, but neither he or his teammates found consistency in a year with ups and downs for Inter.

However, he remains one of the best in the league, and 2021 may be the opportunity for him to bounce back. It should be a better campaign forSouth Florida’s side, who are eager to improve last year’s results.

7 – Ezequiel Barco – Atlanta United

Market value: €10 million

It’s no surprise to findthis talented Argentinian star among these players. From the very first moment in which he stepped into the MLS, there were high expectations with Barco. Having made his breakthrough as a pro with only 16years of age in local giants Independiente, he was set to have a bright future in this sport.

The currently22-year-old has amassed 12 goals and12 assists in 80 games with Atlanta United. Due to his age, his market value could be even higher. Thisseason may see him climbplaces in this list.

6 – Gonzalo Higuaín – Inter Miami

Market value: €10 million

Arguably the biggest superstar in the MLS, Gonzalo Higuaín became Inter Miami’s top figure as soon as he joined them. Despite Pipita struggled to score for some games, he immediately showed the skills that allowed him to build an outstanding career.

With 33 years of age, the Argentine will enter his second year in this league, where he will probably make his retirement in the future. The superstar who featured for Real Madrid, Napoli, Juventus, among others, carries Inter’s hopes of recording a great season.

5 – Emanuel Reynoso – Minnesota United

Market value: €10 million

Signing ‘Bebelo’ was a great call by Minnesota. The midfielder wasn’t having too much playing time at Boca Juniors, and that meant a lot of talent wasted. Fortunately for him, the MLS welcomed Reynoso to prove his level.

He still has many years of career ahead, with only 25 years of age. Even though he wasn’t on target very much up to now, Reynoso showed what a playmaker he can be and provided severalassists in his first season in 2020.

4 – Alejandro Pozuelo – Toronto FC

Market value: €12 million

Despite having to leave Europe, moving to the MLS was a boost in the Spaniard’s career. Alejandro Pozuelo found his place in Toronto, and he instantly had a great impact in the league. His first year’s stats were impresive – 12 goals and 7 assists in 30 matches.

But it was inhis second year whenhis performances earned more recognition. Pozuelo was named the MLS MVP in 2020, a deservedly won award for his appearances with TFC.

3 – Josef Martínez – Atlanta United

Market value: €14 million

The Venezuelan striker’s way to stardom in the MLS was instantaneous. Needless to say, Josef Martínez is one of the best players in the entire league. His astonishing goalscoring record speaks by itself – 90 goals in 105 games with Atlanta United.

He was the season top scorer in 2017-18 season being 31 times on target and earning the MLS MVP award. Moreover, he broke a record by netting in 15 succesive league games. With him in the attack, Atlanta don’t need to be concerned about scoring, Martínez always finds the net.

2 – Carlos Vela – Los Angeles FC

Market value: €15 million

Obviously we were going to find this guy among the top places in the ranking. The 32-year-old had everything to succeed in Europe, where he performed for more than 200 games with Real Sociedad following a spell withgiants like Arsenal.

Carlos Vela became aMLS figure from his very first season, in which he scored 14 times in 28 matches. The following year, the Mexican superstar received the MVP award. Just check out his stats in 2019: 34 goals in 31 games! Overall, he was on target 62 times in 80 appearances with LAFC. And that record explains by itself why he is such a big name in the competition.

1. Diego Rossi – Los Angeles FC

Market value: €20 million

The Uruguayan’s market value is much higher than the figures we’ve read before. Well, not only his skills and his age explain those numbers, but his incredible scoring abilities do so as well. After 102 matches with LAFC, Rossi netted 53 times, and he provided 21 assists.

That’s an amazing record for a left winger. The 23-year-old was a great prospect that the MLS brought in and rised to be no longer a promising talent but a superstar in the league, who is also part of his country’s national team and is expected to become the competition’s most expensive outgoing transfersomeday.

In 2022, MLS clubs continue to spend a record amount on incoming talents, this offseason FC Dallas brought in Argentine creative midfielder Alan Velasco for $7 million and Orlando City brought in Facundo Torres for $10 million, both club records.

In this article we will reviewwho are the highest incoming transfers in MLS history, this list will seem pretty recent, but that is because just as MLS is selling players at a high value, the league’s teams are buying them as well. Here are the top incoming MLS transfers in league history!

Giovani dos Santos – $7 Million

In a move the Galaxy would most likely like to have back, the Mexican international came to MLS at $7 million. A career of underperforming, Giovani dos Santos did just that in Los Angeles with 26 goals in 77 games mixed with up and down performances. dos Santos had his contract bought out by the club to easy his departure.

Alan Velasco – $7 Million

19-year-old Argentine creative midfielder Alan Velasco made a surprise move to FC Dallas in 2022. Velasco was one of the Argentine league’s best players and played 48 games with Independiente before his big move to MLS and FC Dallas.

Sebastián Driussi – $7 Million

Sebastián Driussi has been a smash hit for Austin FC, playing at an MVP level in 2022. Driussi was the spark Austin needed to be taken seriously in MLS and has transformed himself into one of the best players in all of MLS.

Xherdan Shaqiri – $7.5 Million

Veteran Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri comes to the Chicago Fire after stints at Lyon, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, among others. On the international side Xherdan Shaqiri is a three-time World Cup veteran for Switzerland. “We’re extremely pleased to formally welcome Xherdan Shaqiri to the Fire,” sporting director Georg Heitz said in a press release. “Xherdan is a game-changing player and someone who will bring joy to our supporters and the city of Chicago.”

Lucas Zelarayán – $8 Million

The now Armenian international came to MLS in 2020 and has been a highlight reel free kick taker and one of the best creative midfielders in all of MLS. Zelarayán won the 2020 MLS cup with the Columbus Crew.

Miguel Almirón – $8 Million

Before becoming one of theleague’s highest ever outgoing transfer Miguel Almirón came to Atlanta Unitedat $8 million. Miguel Almirón came as the best player in the Argentine league, dominated the league, and left for a record near $27million transfer fee to Newcastle United.

Brian Rodríguez – $8 Million

Uruguayan international Brian Rodríguez was brought for a record $8 million from Peñarol to LAFC. Rodríguez showedflashes of brilliance but never tookthe league by storm, scoring only 8goals in 55games. 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.

Alexandru Mitriță – $8.8 Million

The Romanian midfielder came to NYCFC in 2019 and was not as impressive as the team would have liked, playing 46 games and scoring 16 goals. Mitriță has been loaned three timessince his big money move to MLS.

Matías Pellegrini – $8.91 Million

Young Argentine midfielder Matías Pellegrini was bought for $8.9 million from Estudiantes de La Plata.Unfortunately for Pellegrini he was loaned out to USL side Fort Lauderdale CF in 2021 after Inter Miami failed to comply with MLS roster mandates and correct number of Designated Players. Pellegrini played only 19 games and scored 1 goal for the club and is now with NYCFC.

Clint Dempsey – $9 Million

The greatest American soccer player of all-time returned to MLS from Tottenham at a record $9 million. The Seattle Sounders saw vintage Dempsey with great skill and great goals. Dempsey was forced to retire due to a heart issue but played 115 games and scored 47 goals.

Javier Hernández – $9.4 Million

Chicharito is MLS and the Los Angeles Galaxy’s ultimate prize catch, after a disastrous 2020, Javier Hernández came back full throttle in 2021 but injuries caught up with him yet again but he still managed 17 goals in 21 games. Entering 2022, Chicarito has only played 33 games and scored 19 goals.

Alan Pulido – $9.5Million

Often injured Alan Pulido cost Sporting KC $9.5million; he has been worth every penny when he has played. Injuries have derailed what should be a success case in MLS as Pulido will miss all of 2022 with a knee injury.

Brian Fernández – $9.9 Million

When the Portland Timbers bought Brian Fernández from Necaxa at $9.9 million they wanted goals, they got goals, but also a world of problems. On the field Fernández scored 11 goals in 19 games, off the field, unfortunately the player suffers from a long-standing drug problem. The Timbers terminated the contract and afterward when Brian Fernández returned to Argentina he went missing for 24 hours while playing for Colon de Santa Fe and even received death threats from his own father.

Jozy Altidore – $10 Million

Jozy Altidore came to Toronto FC to help ignite the struggling franchise and get his career back on track after a rather dismal spell in the Premier League. Altidore paid off big, scoring clutch goals and winning the 2017 MLS Cup.

Michael Bradley – $10 Million

Michael Bradley got the deal of a lifetime going to Toronto FC and earning one of the highest salaries in MLS for over 4 years. Bradley was an on again off again starter at Roma when Toronto FC came knocking. Bradley would help elevate the club to championships and continues to be a reference for the team in2022.

Facundo Torres – $10 Million

The former Peñarol star moved to Orlando City for a $10 million transfer fee plus add-ons. Torres is a young and up and coming player in Uruguay and will be the main point of attack for the Lions. Torres is considered one of the top prospects in South America.

Jermain Defoe – $10 Million

English forward Jermain Defoe came to MLS in 2014 and played only 19 games for Toronto FC scoring 11 goals. It was said that Defoe was not happy in Torontoand returned to England where he continues to play till this day.

Cucho Hernandez – $10 Million

Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez comes to the Columbus Crew on a $10 million transfer and a well traveled career which saw him play and score goals at Wolves, Mallorca, and the Colombian national team.

Alejandro Pozuelo – $ 11 Million

Alejandro Pozuelo arrived at Toronto FC from Genk at $11million and he has been an MVP caliber signing since. With 22goals in 72games the Spanish international has been an MLS MVP in 2020 as well as an MLS All-Star, and two-time MLS best eleven. Pozuelo is now with Inter Miami.

Talles Magno – $12 Million

The 18- year-old Brazilian prodigy was purchased by NYCFC for $12 Million from Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama. Talles Magno played over 50 games for Vasco and represents Brazil at the youth level.

Luiz Araújo – $12 Million

According to sources Atlanta United paid $12 million for the Brazilian midfielder. Luiz Araújo came to MLS after a championship run with Lille in France and has played very well for the five stripes since his arrival in 2021.

Rodolfo Pizarro – $12 Million

Mexican international Rodolfo Pizarro was brought from Monterrey for $12 million. His time at Inter Miami was a resounding flop; the Mexican scored only 7 goals in 46 games and was ineffective in nearly every match he played. Pizarro was loaned to Monterrey for 2022.

Brenner – $13 Million

Sao Paulo youngster Brenner made an unlikely move to FC Cincinnati and MLS at $13 million. The young forward has already played for the Brazilian U-17’s and scored 13 goals in 32 games for the Brazilian giants, his move comes as a message that FC Cincinnati is ready to make the playoffs in MLS. In 2021 Brenner scored 8 goals in 33 games for a sorry Cincinnati team.

Ezequiel Barco – $15 Million

The former Independiente midfielder, Ezequiel Barco, was a huge splash signing by Atlanta United back in 2018. Barco’s MLS time was been rather incomplete, his ability and scoring power has come in spurts, he had17 goals in 81 games with 2021 being his best season. It’s Barco’s maturity that came under question, he had personal issues with a teammate’s girlfriend during the Tata Martino era, under Frank de Boer all of Atlanta was a mess, and when things looked good in 2021 Barco was loaned to River Plate for 2022 since the club has had problems selling the player for the fee they desire.

Gonzalo “El Pity” Martínez – $15.5 Million

Gonzalo “El Pity” Martínezsigned viaRiver Plate at a near $16million, the former South American player of the year was a major disappointment. Often too hot and cold to properly lead Atlanta United, in only 1 and a half season an unexpected offer from Saudi team Al-Nassr came and he was sold, and Pity became one of the most expensive outgoing and incoming transfers in MLS history.

Thiago Almada – $16 Million

The highest incoming transfer fee ever paid in MLS history belongs to Thiago Almada who comes to Atlanta United from Vélez Sarsfield. At Vélez, Almada showed a lot of grace and creativity and is considered one of Argentine soccer’s best prospects. It took nearly 1 year for Atlanta United to complete the transfer, but Almada is once again a clear message that the 5-stripes want to win now and sell big.

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.

There have beenmany international stars that have played in MLS, such as David Beckham,Zlatan Ibrahimovic,Thierry Henry,and Andrea Pirlo. However, they were all free transfers andit was not untilrecentlythatMLS clubsbegan to make big money transfers.

Since 2014, many teams have opened their checkbooks to bringin valuable playersthat would improve the league instead of signingfree agentsuperstarswho may not be fully invested in MLS. Here we list the 10 most expensive signings in MLS history to date.

10. Jermain Defoe

Price: $10 million

When Toronto FC bagged $10 million for Jermain Defoe, the expectations were sky-high. However, it didn’t go to plan. Even though he was prolific, the Premier League journeyman spent only one season in Canada before going back to England.

9. Cucho Hernandez

Price: $10.5 million

In his twenties, Cucho Hernandez already boasts an interesting resume, with stints in different European teams. The Colombia international joined Columbus Crew for $10.5 million from Watford in 2022.

8. Alejandro Pozuelo

Price: $11 million

A productof the Real Betis youth system, the Sevilla born midfielder was a journeyman as he played for several club across Europe. After playing four seasons in Belgium forGenk, Toronto FC signed himfor $11 millionin March 2019. He immediately settled in, winning MVP in 2020 while being named to the All Star game, also making the MLS Best Eleven twice. Now he’s at Inter Miami.

7. Brian Rodríguez

Price: $11.5 million

The Uruguayanwinger made his debut forPeñarol in March2018 and eventuallybecame a regular in the starting11. His talentquickly stood outand it did not takelong for MLS teamsto be interested.Los Angeles FC was the most interestedand eventually landed himin August 2019 for a fee of$11.5 million. Now he’s at Club America.

6. Talles Magno

Price: $12 million

New York City FC set their sights on Brazilian soccer to try and land agenerational talent. Talles Magno caught their eye, and it’s no surprise. The Vasco da Gama product was acquired for $12 million in 2021 after making more than 50 senior appearances as well as playing for Brazil’s youth teams.

5.Rodolfo Pizarro

Price: $12 million

Just like Inter Miami‘s inaugural MLS season, Rodolfo Pizarro‘s signing left a lot to be desired. David Beckham’s forked out $12 million for the Monterrey star, but the Mexican was a shell of himself in his first year in South Beach. He was sent on loan to Rayados, but now he’s back in Miami trying to prove his worth.

4.Brenner

Price: $13 million

Cincinnati FCwent all in forBrennerin 2021, spending $13 million to get the promising striker from Sao Paulo. This is one of the moves that reflect the MLS is not a retirement league, but one that recruits and develops young talent.

3.Ezequiel Barco

Price: $15 million

Oneof Argentina’s most promising talents in recent years, Ezequiel Barco caughtAtlatna United’seye as a teenagerand joined the club for $15 million in 2018. However, he couldn’t fully live up to the expectations as fans only saw glimpses of his talent. In fact, he was sent on loan to River Plate.

2.Gonzalo Martínez

Price: $15.5 million

The man nicknamed “El Pity” was one of River Plate’s best players as they won the Copa Libertadores title in 2018. In fact, he scoredthe third goal to sealthe victory in the final against arch rivals Boca Juniors atthe Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

His performances attracted interested from several teams, but it was Atlanta United thatbeat everyone to the punch. In January 2019, the club announcedthe signing of the Argentine playmaker for $15.5 million, which set a record by then. Martinez is currently playing next to Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

1. Thiago Almada

Price: $16 million

Unsurprisingly, Atlanta United broke their own record by makingThiago Almadathe most expensive incoming transfer in MLS history. The Five Stripes reached an agreement with Velez to get their jewel for $16 million, completing the transfer in 2022. Almada is proving Atlanta right, as he became the first active MLS player in history to win the World Cup, being part of Argentina’s roster at Qatar 2022.