Major League Soccer clubs are among those that invest the most in attracting young talent. And so, they stand out, revealing and selling these athletes to clubs in other leagues around the world.
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The 10 Most Expensive Transfer Sales in MLS:
10 – Daryl Dike (2021/22) Orlando City – West Brown- €8.63 million
The 23-year-old center forward was drafted by Orlando City and the Florida lions, he stood out, scoring 19 goals in 41 games.
9 – Luiz Araújo (2023/24) Atlanta United – Flamengo – €9 million
The eighth most expensive sale in MLS history is 27-year-old striker Luiz Araújo. The Brazilian was one of Atlanta United’s stars, having been signed in 2021. However, he never managed to stand out at the club and the dream of the two-time MLS title did not happen. In all, he played 63 games, scored 13 goals and provided 9 assists. He was recently sold to Brazilian side Flamengo.
8 – Gabriel Slonina (2022/23) Chicago Fire – Chelsea- €9.9 million
Slonina is tipped by many as the future starting goalkeeper for the USMNT. He is the youngest signing in MLS history, signing with the Fire aged 14. He played for Chicago in all 43 games.
7 – Brenden Aaronson (2020/21) Philadelphia Union – RB Salzburg- €12.7 million
Aaronson is one of the most promising names formed in the MLS. In 57 games for the Union, he scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists. At the age of 22, he was loaned from Leeds United to Union Berlin.
6 – Alphonso Davies (2018/19) Vancouver Whitecaps – Bayern Munich – €14 million
This one doesn’t need to show. The Canadian was a midfielder for the Whitecaps, but in Germany he started playing at left-back, becoming one of the best in the world at the position.
5 – Taty Castellanos (2023/24) New York City FC – Lazio – €15 million
In the top-5 list is 24-year-old Argentinian Taty Castellanos. A graduate of Universidad de Chile, the striker was signed by New York City on a permanent basis in the 2018/19 season. In New York, Castellanos led the club to the MLS Cup title in 2020/21, being the top scorer of the tournament with 23 goals in 36 games. According to reports from Argentina, after a loan spell with Spanish side Girona, the striker was sold by NYCFC to Italian side Lazio.
4 – Pity Martinez (2020/21) Atlanta United – Al Nassr – €16 million
Many won’t remember, but after leaving River, the talented Argentine midfielder transferred to Atlanta United. In 2 seasons in MLS, there were 54 games, 11 goals and 13 assists. He is 30 years old.
3 – Ricardo Pepi (2021/22) FC Dallas – Augsburg – €16.3 million
Pepi drew attention in 2021 when aged just 18, he scored 13 goals in 31 games for Dallas. In Germany, he didn’t do well, but he shone again in Groningen (Netherlands), repeating the numbers he had in MLS.
2 – Jhon Durán (2022/23) Chicago Fire – Aston Villa – €16.6 million
The Colombian went to the MLS only on a quick stint, as he only played one season. Enough to place it as the 2nd most expensive in the league. In 28 games for the Fire, he scored 8 goals and had 3 assists.
1 – Miguel Almirón (2018/19) – Atlanta United – Newcastle United- €24 million
This one made it “rain” in Atlanta. Number 10 on the team, Almirón was the protagonist in winning the 2018 MLS Cup. In all, he has played 69 games, 22 goals and 11 assists.
