MLS Clubs Set New $370m Transfer Spending Record

MLS clubs have pushed transfer spending to a new high of $370 million, extending a third consecutive year of record activity across the league. The total rose from $336 million in the previous season, while nearly 60 per cent of incoming players were aged 25 or under.

Quick facts

• MLS transfer spending reached $370 million, up from $336 million last year.
• Thirteen clubs set either an incoming or outgoing club-record transfer.
• Toronto FC paid an initial $22 million for Josh Sargent, with the deal able to rise to $27 million.
• Colorado Rapids could receive up to $23 million from Hull City for Lucas Herrington.
• St. Louis CITY’s $12 million move for Rafael Navarro set a new MLS intra-league fee record.

The spending was distributed more widely than in the previous window, when a smaller group of teams accounted for much of the headline business. Thirteen MLS sides completed a record purchase or sale for their own club during the campaign.

Toronto made the largest initial outlay, agreeing a $22 million deal for United States striker Josh Sargent. Performance-related additions could take the fee to $27 million.

Sporting Kansas City were close behind, committing $18 million for a Brazilian winger on a five-year contract. The player’s name was not specified, but the move marked another major investment in a younger profile across the division.

MLS teams also continued to generate sizeable income from overseas sales. Colorado transferred teenage centre-back Lucas Herrington to Hull City in a deal worth as much as $23 million, while winger Zavier Gozo joined Crystal Palace for $15 million.

Gozo is regarded as a likely future United States international, and his departure formed part of a busy summer for Colorado in the international market.

Domestic trading was another notable feature of the window. St. Louis CITY paid $12 million to sign Rafael Navarro, the biggest fee recorded for a transfer between MLS clubs, while Seattle Sounders spent $6 million on Dejan Joveljic.

The 2026 World Cup also helped shape recruitment. Twenty players involved in the tournament moved to MLS clubs, and more than 30 players with World Cup experience from any edition signed for teams in the United States or Canada.

Robert Lewandowski’s move to Chicago and the arrival of France forward Antoine Griezmann were among the most prominent World Cup-linked deals.

Further growth could follow as MLS prepares to move to a fall-to-spring calendar, bringing its season closer to the timetable used by many leading leagues. Discussions over easing salary restrictions could also give clubs greater flexibility to spend and trade in future windows.