MLS
Giorgos Giakoumakis close to Atlanta exit: What are the most expensive transfers in MLS history?
The Greek forward is set to become the latest big-money MLS transfer involving the free-spending Five Stripes.
Atlanta United’s mid-season shake-up continues apace as star striker Giorgos Giakoumakis closes in on a move to Cruz Azul of Liga MX. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda was recently relieved of his duties and team captain Thiago Almada has been heavily linked with a transfer to Europe this summer.
Giakoumakis arrived in early 2023 from Scottish Premiership side Celtic and he has proved himself to be one of the league’s top finishes. The Greek forward has contributed 24 goals and five assists in his 39 MLS appearances for the club, although his 2024 campaign has been beset by injury issues.
Atlanta spent $4 million to secure his services and look set to make a healthy profit on the 29-year-old. The Athletic reports that the transfer fee will be $10 million, making it one of the biggest outgoing transfer fees in MLS history.
What is the most expensive MLS transfer fee?
In recent years MLS has become major hunting ground for European clubs looking to unearth the promising young players. The growth of MLS - both in terms of quality and in economic strength - is making it a popular stepping stone for young prospects from South America.
With European clubs chaerging ever-higher fees for young players MLS has become a key market for top flight clubs from the ‘big five’ leagues and the fees reflect that. Eight-figure transfer fees are becoming increasingly common and will only continue as the league grows in influence. Here’s a look at the biggest out-going transfers in MLS history...
| Player | From | To | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Miguel Almirón | Atlanta United | Newcastle United | $24 million |
| 2. | Djordje Petrovic | New England Revolution | Chelsea | $18 million |
| 3. | Jhon Durán | Chicago Fire | Aston Villa | $16.6 million |
| 4. | Ricardo Pepi | FC Dallas | FC Augsburg | $16.4 million |
| 5. | Pity Martinez | Atlanta United | Al-Nassr | $16 million |
| 6. | Taty Castellanos | NYCFC | Lazio | $15 million |
| 7. | Alphonso Davies | Vancouver Whitecaps | FC Bayern | $14 million |
| 8. | Brenden Aaronson | Philadelphia Union | RB Salzburg | $12.7 million |
| 9. | Brenner | FC Cincinnati | Udinese | $10 million |
| 10. | Gabriel Pereira | NYCFC | Al-Rayyan SC | $10 million |
What is the highest transfer fee paid by an MLS team?
In terms of incoming transfers, Atlanta United stand well above the rest. The ambitious team joined the league in 2017 and wasted little time in making some noise in MLS. Atlanta are responsible for the top three most expensive transfer fees ever paid by MLS clubs and boast four of the top five spots.
| Player | From | To | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Thiago Almada | Vélez Sarsfield | Atlanta United | $14.6 million |
| 2. | Pity Martínez | River Plate | Atlanta United | $14.5 million |
| 3. | Esequiel Barco | CA Independiente | Atlanta United | $12.3 million |
| 4. | Brenner | São Paulo | FC Cincinnati | $11.8 million |
| 5. | Luiz Araújo | Lille | Atlanta United | $11.5 million |
| 6. | Hugo Cuypers | Gent | Chicago Fire | $11 million |
| 7. | Rodolfo Pizarro | Monterrey | Inter Miami | $10.9 million |
| 8. | Brian Rodríguez | Peñarol | LAFC | $10.5 million |
| 9. | Cucho Hernández | Watford FC | Columbus Crew | $9.6 million |
| 10. | Evander | FC Midtjylland | Portland Timbers | $9.5 million |
They have a mixed record with these deals but Almada, a $15.9 million purchase from Vélez Sarsfield, looks set to earn them a hefty profit on their investment. His transfer represents the perfect model for ambitious MLS teams like Atlanta: bringing in a promising young player; getting a few years of high production as they develop; and finally selling them on to Europe.
Giakoumakis’ departure will free up another Designated Player spot for the front office to use this summer and all indications suggest that Atlanta will be looking to bring in a major attacking star. Atlanta have made a poor start to 2024 but this mid-season refresh could give them a much-needed boost going into the second half of the year.