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.

When Atlanta was offered the unexpected sum of $18 million for Pity Martínez the move was a no brainer for the club and the player. Atlanta received a huge sum of money for an inconsistent player and for Pity it was a substantial pay raise, from only $900,000 annually to a reported $4.5 million yearly. The deal was done and Martínez became one of the highest outgoing transfers in league history.

At Al-Nassr, the Argentine midfielder has flourished winning the Saudi Super Cup in 2020, but there are rumors and reports that Al-Nassr players have not been paid in months and that the club is looking to clear its books. At his current salary it will most likely mean Pity will need to take a pay cut to return to MLS.

What Pity Martínez said on Instagram about his move back to MLS

Pity Martínez took to Instagram and posted a story, they last for only 24 hours, that he was very happy at Al-Nassr and that he had no intentions of leaving the club. If Martínez does return to MLS he would have to go through the allocation process, where Cincinnati is 14th and would have to trade to get the midfielder.

Despite his inconsistencies, Pity Martínez has won titles at every club he has ever played for, winning 1 championship with his childhood team Huracán, 8 championships at River Plate, 2 with Atlanta United, and now 1 at Al-Nassr.

The 27-year-old has also earned3 caps for Argentina where he scored 1 goal. If the MLSPU and MLS come to an agreement on the new CBA, the league is scheduled to kick off in March.

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.

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.