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6h ago

MLS Shatters Transfer Record With $336 Million in 2025 Deals

New league data signals deeper integration with the global transfer market.

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-reported spending reached about $336 million, nearly doubling the 2024 record of $188 million and ranking eighth worldwide for the period cited, ahead of Liga MX.
  • MLS’s single-transfer fee mark fell three times in 2025, led by LAFC’s reported roughly $26 million move for Son Heung-min, followed by Atlanta United’s $22 million deal for Emmanuel Latte Lath and FC Cincinnati’s $16.3 million purchase of Kevin Denkey.
  • The new cash-for-player intra-league mechanism generated more than $40 million across 11 players in its first season, enabling direct cash trades such as Evander to FC Cincinnati and Djordje Mihailovic to Toronto FC.
  • Clubs brought in 169 international signings from 50 countries with an average age of 25.2, targeting top leagues in Brazil (11 arrivals), Argentina (10), England (8) and Portugal (8).
  • Outbound business also accelerated with seven sales of at least $10 million and nine clubs setting new records, while windows in Europe and Mexico remain open beyond MLS’s secondary window.