MLS in Top 10 big spenders of the winter transfer market

After an impressive 2024 season in Major League Soccer, the 2025 campaign promises even more excitement to captivate a wider audience in the United States and Canada. The North American league’s franchises helped it become the seventh-highest-spending competition globally during the winter transfer market.

Taking into account that leagues such as the Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1, Brasileirão, Bundesliga, and Saudi Pro League spent more than MLS, it is important to note that the North American organization invested more than competitions like Argentina’s Liga, the Championship (England’s second division), Liga MX, Primeira Liga, 2. Bundesliga, or LaLiga EA Sports.

So far, MLS has spent $173.72 million, while England’s top division disbursed up to $519.76 million. Italian football showcased its power with $238.31 million, France’s championship released $209.55 million, Brazil’s first division invested $181.23 million, Germany spent $176.37 million, and the Saudi league reached $174.41 million.

In this context, the top-tier North American league was not far off from the levels seen in Germany or Saudi Arabia, with moves in Brazil also coming in close. For obvious reasons, and with the help of Manchester City — which splurged over $220 million — England certainly made a statement.

Most expensive MLS signings in winter 2025

On Tuesday, the most expensive MLS signing in league history was confirmed by Atlanta United with the arrival of Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough in the Championship. The 26-year-old Ivorian forward cost $22.07 million and displaced FC Cincinnati’s acquisition of Kevin Denkey this winter for $15.89 million.

Following closely were the signings of Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano to San Diego FC ($12.46 million), Mirto Uzuni to Austin FC ($12.46 million), Brandon Vázquez to Austin FC ($9.97 million), Miguel Almirón to Atlanta United ($9.92 million), Kevin Kelsy to Portland Timbers ($6.23 million), and Anders Dreyer to San Diego FC ($5.71 million). Data from Transfermarkt.*

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