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2h ago

MLS Sets $336 Million Transfer Record for 2025

A new cash-for-player trade rule powered a leap into the global top eight for transfer outlay.

Aug 16, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) waves to fans as he leaves the pitch after a match against the New England Revolution Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images/File Photo
Aug 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta United FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath (19) reacts after scoring a goal against Pumas UNAM in the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images/File Photo
May 25, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; FC Cincinnati forward Kevin Denkey (9) in action against Atlanta United in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • League-wide spending nearly doubled 2024’s mark, with the single-deal record reset three times, capped by LAFC’s reported $26–26.5 million move for Son Heung-min after Atlanta United’s $22 million fee for Emmanuel Latte Lath and FC Cincinnati’s $16.3 million for Kévin Denkey.
  • The new intra-league cash mechanism generated more than $40 million across 11 player trades, including moves such as Evander to FC Cincinnati and Djordje Mihailovic to Toronto FC.
  • Eight clubs set new internal purchase records in 2025, and nearly half of MLS teams have completed a club-record signing within the past two years.
  • MLS logged 169 international arrivals from 50 countries with an average age of 25.2, drawing most heavily from Brazil (11 signings), Argentina (10), England (8) and Portugal (8).
  • The export market strengthened with seven sales of at least $10 million and nine clubs posting record exits, while European and Liga MX windows remain open into early September.