The 10 most expensive incoming transfers in MLS history
Major League Soccer clubs have spent a significant amount of money on incoming transfers in recent years.
The development, attraction and levels of investment in the league has allowed the calibre of player joining to sky rocket, with up-and-coming players now joined by established stars in both the Western and Eastern Conference.
Here's the top ten most expensive incoming transfers in MLS history.
10. Alan Pulido - $9.5m
Sporting Kansas City acquired forward Alan Pulido from Liga MX side Chivas in the 2020 winter window for $9.5m though injuries hampered his ability to settle.
In the 2021 season, Pulido scored eight goals and notched three assists for SKC, with his output expected to rise as the years go on.
9. Michael Bradley - $10m
Toronto FC turned heads when they signed former USMNT captain Michael Bradley from Serie A club AS Roma in 2014 for $10m.
With well over 250 appearances now under his belt, Bradley completed the treble in 2017 by winning the MLS Cup, Supporter's Shield and Canadian Championship, establishing himself as one of the club's finest ever players.
8. Jermain Defoe - $10m
Toronto FC knew exactly what they were getting when they signed Jermain Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur in the 2014 winter window for $10m - a goalscorer.
He didn't stick around at the club long, eventually returning to the Premier League with Sunderland, but bagged 11 goals in 19 appearances for TFC before heading home.
7. Alejandro Pozuelo - $11m
Toronto FC made headlines once more when they signed Alejandro Pozeulo from Genk, a Belgian Pro League club, for $11m in 2019.
Pozuelo had an immediate impact when he secured the 2020 Landon Donovan MVP award - a result of his nine goals and ten assists - and later left to join Inter Miami.
6. Luiz Araujo - $12m
Atlanta United acquired winger Luiz Araujo from Lille in a deal that would eventually be worth $12m - the move coming right after they had won the Ligue 1 title ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
There were high hopes for the Brazilian winger as a result, but Araujo struggled to deliver the consistent performances expected of him. Flamengo eventually came calling to take him back to his homeland.
5. Rodolfo Pizarro - $12m
Before their first ever season the league, Inter Miami splashed the cash and signed Rodolfo Pizarro from Liga MX side Monterrey for $12m.
But he swiftly returned to Monterrey on loan after scoring just seven times in 54 appearances - not the kind of return Inter Miami were looking for from a hefty investment.
4. Brenner - $13m
FC Cincinnati made shockwaves around MLS when they signed exciting young forward Brenner from Sao Paulo for $13m.
The Brazilian Under-17 international soon started to repay the transfer fee, scoring 18 goals in the 2022 MLS season. His form inevitably attracted interest from elsewhere - Serie A side Udinese eventually agreeing a deal to take him to Italy on July 1, 2023.
3. Ezequiel Barco - $15m
In the winter of 2018, Atlanta United acquired midfielder Ezequiel Barco from Independiente for $15m, with the hope being that he'd be as successful as Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron had been.
Unfortunately, Barco struggled to find his groove at Atlanta, though his 17 goal and 17 assist return from 81 appearances shouldn't be scoffed at. A loan spell at River Plate followed.
2. Gonzalo Martinez - $15m
After Miguel Almiron left MLS for Newcastle, Atlanta United moved quickly to bring in another playmaker.
Gonzalo "Pity" Martinez was the player they opted for, forking out $15.5m to sign him from River Plate. He failed to live up to the billing, however, and was unable to replicate the numbers Almiron had put up.
After 39 appearances, the Argentina international headed to Saudi Arabia to join Al Nassr - well before Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival.
1. Thiago Almada - $16m
Unsurprisingly, MLS' most expensive transfer is another deal involving Atlanta United and an Argentinian playmaker.
This time it's Thiago Almada, who joined from Velez Sarsfield for a record fee of $16m in 2022. A World Cup winner with Argentina, he has more than lived up to the hype and expectation, amassing over 30 goal involvements in his first 40 games in MLS.