Major League Soccer(MLS)is one of the fastest growing soccer leaguesaround the world. The league’s qualityand competitiveness has signifanctly increasedin the past few years with the signing of severalrenowed playersfrom Europe and South America.
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
Via MLSSoccer.com
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
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
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
Pozuelo was a big success for Toronto FC in 2019.
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
Rodríguez during a Los Angeles FC game.
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
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
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
Rodolfo Pizarro (Getty)
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
Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
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
Barco was instrumental in helping Atlanta United win MLS Cup in 2018.
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
Pity Martínez during an Atlanta United game.
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
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
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.
