Top five most expensive signings in MLS history; Son Heung-min included

The North American league has often invested heavily in many star players.

To draw more attention to the expanding North American league, MLS clubs have recently paid record transfer costs.

Many people may still initially believe that Major League Soccer is merely a league for former European players seeking a large salary. However, over the years, many clubs have changed their transfer plans to focus on younger players in MLS, even if certain Major League Soccer teams still rely on acquiring well-known stars.

However, who are the five most costly additions to Major League Soccer in history?

5. Gonzalo Martinez – €14 million

Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martinez, during that time, was one of Atlanta’s most expensive signings after they brought him from River Plate.

Although he only played in MLS for 18 months, he was obviously an excellent player, as evidenced by his three Argentina caps. Before being sold to Al-Nassr in 2020 and later paired up with Cristiano Ronaldo, he made 54 appearances, scoring 11 goals and dishing out 14 assists.

However, Atlanta did make money off of Martinez when they sold him for €16 million. He currently plays for River Plate.

4. Thiago Almada – €14 million

Thiago Almada, a talent from Argentina, became one of the most costly players in MLS history when he joined Atlanta United in February 2022. In 83 games for Atlanta, Almada, an offensive midfielder and winger, recorded 26 goals and 24 assists.

Almada was also a member of Argentina’s winning World Cup team in 2022 despite playing just six minutes in Qatar, as Lionel Messi and company went on to win the trophy. After being acquired by Botafogo for €19.5 million, he has subsequently moved on loan to Lyon of Ligue 1 before joining Atletico Madrid this season.

3. Kevin Denkey – €15 million

When FC Cincinnati paid €15.3 million to Cercle Brugge for former Nimes striker Kevin Denkey, they briefly owned the record for MLS transfers. With a contract that expires in 2028, the dynamic striker has been the club’s most important player and will need to continue to score at an impressive rate in order to justify his high asking price at the club.

2. Emmanuel Latte Lath – €21 million

Atlanta broke the MLS transfer record once again, this time it was to acquire centre-forward Latte Lath from Middlesbrough.

Despite being 26 years old, the Ivory Coast international is comparatively inexperienced, having played most of his career on loan. However, he moved to Middlesbrough on a permanent deal and enjoyed a productive two years there before Atlanta United broke the bank to sign him this year.

1. Son Heung-min – €23 million

Son Heung-min has joined Los Angeles FC after agreeing on a deal with the club. The €23 million transfer deal, which was revealed on Tuesday, already sets a record as the most costly move in Major League Soccer history. The previous record figure of €21 million, which Atlanta United paid for Emmanuel Lath in February, has been surpassed.

Despite having a contract that lasted until 2026, Son left Tottenham at the age of 33 after ten seasons.

Son Heung-min will be the most-expensive MLS arrival in history 🤑🥇 pic.twitter.com/VN4OVnHWn6

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) August 6, 2025

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.