Top 5 Most Expensive MLS Signings of All Time

To raise the profile of the growing North American league, MLS clubs have recently started spending record amounts on player transfers.

While some people still see Major League Soccer as a place where aging European stars go for one last big pay check, that perception is slowly changing. In recent years, many MLS teams have shifted their focus toward signing younger talent. Although some clubs still chase big-name players, there's now a stronger emphasis across the league on building for the future.

Here are the five most expensive signings in Major League Soccer history.

5. Gonzalo Martinez – €14 million

Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez was one of Atlanta United’s most expensive signings when he joined from River Plate. Though he only spent 18 months in MLS, his quality was clear—he even earned three caps with the Argentina national team during his career.

While with Atlanta, Martínez made 54 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists. In 2020, he was sold to Saudi club Al-Nassr for €16 million, where he later played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite his relatively short stint in MLS, Atlanta managed to turn a profit on the transfer. Today, Martínez is back playing for River Plate.

4. Thiago Almada – €14 million

Thiago Almada, a talented Argentine midfielder, became one of the most expensive signings in MLS history when he joined Atlanta United in February 2022. Over 83 appearances for the club, Almada made a strong impact, scoring 26 goals and providing 24 assists, showcasing his skill both as an attacking midfielder and a winger.

He was also part of Argentina’s squad that won the 2022 World Cup, even though he only played six minutes during the tournament. Still, he shared in the glory alongside Lionel Messi and the rest of the team.

After his time in MLS, Almada was transferred to Brazilian club Botafogo for €19.5 million. He was then loaned to French side Lyon in Ligue 1, and most recently, he made the jump to La Liga, joining Atlético Madrid ahead of the current season.

3. Kevin Denkey  – €15 million

When FC Cincinnati signed former Nîmes striker Kevin Denkey from Cercle Brugge for €15.3 million, they briefly held the record for the most expensive transfer in MLS history. With a contract running through 2028, Denkey has quickly become the team’s key player. To live up to his hefty price tag, he’ll need to keep delivering goals at a high rate—something he's shown he’s more than capable of.

2. Emmanuel Latte Lath – €21 million

Atlanta United has shattered the MLS transfer record once again, this time to sign Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough.

At 26, Latte Lath is somewhat of a late bloomer. While he's spent much of his career on loan spells across Europe, it wasn't until his permanent move to Middlesbrough that he really began to find his form. After two strong seasons in the Championship, Atlanta United decided to make a bold move, paying a record fee to bring him to Major League Soccer.

1. Son Heung-min – €23 million

Son Heung-min has officially joined Los Angeles FC in a record-breaking €23 million transfer, making it the most expensive deal in Major League Soccer history. The move, announced on Tuesday, surpasses the previous record set earlier this year when Atlanta United signed Emmanuel Lath for €21 million in February.

Despite having two years left on his contract with Tottenham, the 33-year-old forward chose to end his decade-long spell in North London to start a new chapter in the U.S.

Cover Credits - Major League Soccer