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Top 10 Most Expensive Transfers in MLS History
MLS clubs have shelled out record transfer fees in recent years to bring further attention to the growing North American league.
On the surface, many might still think MLS is just a league for former European stars looking for a hefty payday. While some MLS teams still lean on signing big-name players, many clubs have shifted their transfer strategies to younger talents from around the world.
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Atlanta United remain the kings of spending in transfer fees in MLS, and have six of the top 10 most expensive incoming transfers of all-time with Emmanuel Latte-Lath, Gonzalo "Pity" Martinez, Thiago Almada, Ezequiel Barco, Alexey Miranchuk, and Luiz Araujo.
Yet, they are far from the only club to spend significant money, with the likes of FC Cincinnati, Austin FC, and San Diego FC all shelling out top-10 fees through their time in the American top flight.
Here are the top 10 most expensive transfers in MLS history.
Top 10 Most Expensive Transfers in MLS History
Player | Transfer Fee | Year | MLS Team Joined | Previous Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Emmanuel Latte Lath | $22m | 2025 | Atlanta United | Middlesbrough (England) |
2. Kévin Denkey | $16.2m | 2024 | FC Cincinnati | Cercle Brugge (Belgium) |
3. Thiago Almada | $15.8m | 2022 | Atlanta United | Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina) |
4. Gonzalo 'Pity' Martínez | $15.8m | 2019 | Atlanta United | River Plate (Argentina) |
5. Ezequiel Barco | $13.4m | 2018 | Atlanta United | Independiente (Argentina) |
6. Alexey Miranchuk | $13.1m | 2024 | Atlanta United | Atalanta (Italy) |
7. Brenner | $12.9m | 2021 | FC Cincinnati | Sao Paolo (Brazil) |
8. Mytro Uzuni | $12.3m | 2025 | Austin FC | Granada CF (Spain) |
9. Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano | $12m | 2025 | San Diego FC | PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) |
10. Luiz Araujo | $12.6m | 2021 | Atlanta United | Lille (France) |
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Braden Chalker is a freelance writer for Sports Illustrated Soccer covering Major League Soccer and the U.S. men's national team.