Most expensive Major League Soccer transfers ever

International stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi and David Beckham have played in Major League Soccer, but who are the most expensive transfers in the league's history?

A report from The Athletic's Tom Bogert revealed that MLS' newest club is close to finalizing a deal to bring the 28-year-old winger back to North America. It would Lozano's first time playing for a North American club since he rose through the ranks at Liga MX outfit Pachuca before departing in July 2017 to sign for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for a reported fee of $14m.

Bogert explained that San Diego are expected to pay around a $12 million transfer fee to land Lozano, meaning the former Napoli player would instantly become one of the league's most expensive inbound transfers if the deal goes through.

It would also be a monumental moment for an MLS expansion side to break the bank to land one of the most talented forwards in CONCACAF. Years ago, MLS sides could only dream of paying multi-million dollar transfer fees, but that's all changed in recent seasons. If Lozano does sign for the league's newest team ahead of their inaugural 2025 campaign, he would become the seventh-most expensive signing in MLS history.

Top six most expensive players in MLS history

6. Luiz Araujo - $12.3 million

Atlanta United attempted to instill some flair and intensity into their front line with the addition of winger Luiz Araujo. Araujo -- who was fresh off a Ligue 1 title with Lille before joining -- showed signs of promise as he added 24 goal involvements in 63 games for the Five Stripes.

However, Araujo and Atlanta didn't really mesh well together, which lead to the Brazilian's departure in July 2023 for South American giants Flamengo.

5. Brenner - $12.6 million

A couple of years after their inaugural 2019 season, FC Cincinnati attempted to change their fortunes when they paid a club-record fee to sign Brenner from Brazilian side Sao Paolo FC.

Brenner's time in MLS was short but also successful. The 24-year-old found the back of the net 27 times in 72 games to help Cincinnati reach their first-ever postseason spot in 2022 before joining Italian outfit Udinese last summer for $10m.

4. Hugo Cuypers - $12.8 million

Chicago Fire not only shattered their club record transfer fee with the addition of Hugo Cuypers this offseason, but the Eastern Conference side also leapt into the top five most expensive MLS players after signing their new striker.

Cuypers crossed the pond to trade life in Belgium with Gent in favor of a move to the Windy City, where he's tallied two goals in 10 appearances so far for the Fire.

3. Esequiel Barco - $13 million

Surprise, surprise, Atlanta make the list once again as they just can't help themselves when it comes to importing talented South American midfielders.

18-year-old Esequiel Barco rocked up to Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Atlanta paid approximately $13m for the youngster's services but never really met expectations. Barco shined here and there but returned to Argentina to join River Plate in January 2022 after 107 showings as a Five Stripe.

2. Gonzalo Martinez - $15.5 million

After Miguel Almiron's departure to Premier League side Newcastle United in January 2019, Atlanta went back to South America to sign Gonzalo "Pity" Martinez from Argentinian giants River Plate for roughly $15.5m.

Although his time in Atlanta was short-lived, he managed a respectable 11 goals and 14 assists in 54 appearances before joining Al Nassr in September 2020.

1. Thiago Almada - $16 million

Atlanta United broke the bank for young star midfielder Thiago Almada back in early 2022, shelling out roughly $16m to acquire the World Cup winner's services.

It's been a massive return on investment for the Five Stripes thus far, as Almada has garnered interest from European sides like Ajax.