The listing of most costly gamers in Main League Soccer historical past might change ought to San Diego FC full the signing of Mexican nationwide group star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.
A report from The Athletic’s Tom Bogert revealed that MLS’ latest membership is near finalizing a deal to convey the 28-year-old winger again to North America. It might Lozano’s first time enjoying for a North American membership since he rose by the ranks at Liga MX outfit Pachuca earlier than departing in July 2017 to signal for Dutch aspect PSV Eindhoven for a reported price of $14m.
Bogert defined that San Diego are anticipated to pay round a $12 million switch price to land Lozano, that means the previous Napoli participant would immediately develop into one of many league’s most costly inbound transfers if the deal goes by.
It might even be a monumental second for an MLS growth aspect to interrupt the financial institution to land one of the proficient forwards in CONCACAF. Years in the past, MLS sides might solely dream of paying multi-million greenback switch charges, however that is all modified in current seasons. If Lozano does signal for the league’s latest group forward of their inaugural 2025 marketing campaign, he would develop into the seventh-most costly signing in MLS historical past.
Atlanta United tried to instill some aptitude and depth into their entrance line with the addition of winger Luiz Araujo. Araujo — who was recent off a Ligue 1 title with Lille earlier than becoming a member of — confirmed indicators of promise as he added 24 objective involvements in 63 video games for the 5 Stripes.
Nevertheless, Araujo and Atlanta did not actually mesh nicely collectively, which result in the Brazilian’s departure in July 2023 for South American giants Flamengo.
A few years after their inaugural 2019 season, FC Cincinnati tried to alter their fortunes after they paid a club-record price to signal Brenner from Brazilian aspect Sao Paolo FC.
Brenner’s time in MLS was brief but in addition profitable. The 24-year-old discovered the again of the online 27 occasions in 72 video games to assist Cincinnati attain their first-ever postseason spot in 2022 earlier than becoming a member of Italian outfit Udinese final summer time for $10m.
Chicago Fireplace not solely shattered their membership report switch price with the addition of Hugo Cuypers this offseason, however the Japanese Convention aspect additionally leapt into the highest 5 most costly MLS gamers after signing their new striker.
Cuypers crossed the pond to commerce life in Belgium with Gent in favor of a transfer to the Windy Metropolis, the place he is tallied two objectives in 10 appearances up to now for the Fireplace.
Shock, shock, Atlanta make the listing as soon as once more as they simply can not help themselves on the subject of importing proficient South American midfielders.
18-year-old Esequiel Barco rocked as much as Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Atlanta paid roughly $13m for the teen’s companies however by no means actually met expectations. Barco shined right here and there however returned to Argentina to affix River Plate in January 2022 after 107 showings as a 5 Stripe.
After Miguel Almiron’s departure to Premier League aspect Newcastle United in January 2019, Atlanta went again to South America to signal Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez from Argentinian giants River Plate for roughly $15.5m.
Though his time in Atlanta was short-lived, he managed a decent 11 objectives and 14 assists in 54 appearances earlier than becoming a member of Al Nassr in September 2020.
Atlanta United broke the financial institution for younger star midfielder Thiago Almada again in early 2022, shelling out roughly $16m to amass the World Cup winner’s companies.
It has been an enormous return on funding for the 5 Stripes to date, as Almada has garnered curiosity from European sides like Ajax after recording 46 objective involvements in 74 appearances for Atlanta.