The five most expensive MLS signings in 2026

Analysis

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Major League Soccer's spending power is increasing year on year.

The league's growth since its inaugural season in 1996 has been gigantic and reached its apotheosis with Inter Miami's acquisition of Argentine megastar Lionel Messi, widely considered the greatest soccer player of all time.

The Herons, backed by David Beckham - a transformative signing for MLS in his own right - and the billionaire Mas brothers, have elevated the league to another level financially.

"There are no budget limitations, we will bring the best players we can from anywhere in the world," Jorge Mas stated in 2024. However, Miami are far from the only side to have spent big in pursuit of silverware.

Toronto FC splashed the cash in the mid- and late-2010s to become the gold standard of MLS, while Atlanta United have not been afraid to go big in the market since joining the league in 2017. Unfortunately for the Five Stripes, this approach has been unsuccessful for some time now.

The MLS transfer record has been repeatedly broken over the past 10 years. Currently, Son Heung-min is the most expensive signing in league history after joining LAFC in 2025 for €22 million ($26.5m) - but a 2026 acquisition could yet top that fee.

The 2026 primary transfer window shut on 26 March. The secondary window will open on 13 July and close again on 2 September. Below, FootballTransfers has listed the five most expensive signings of 2026 so far...

5. Louis Munteanu - CFR Cluj to DC United (€6m)

MLS's original dynasty, DC United are a far cry from the powerhouse they once were, and they have yet again been forced to rebuild their side after a disappointing season.

Star attacker Christian Benteke moved to the United Arab Emirates in the offseason, leaving the Black-and-Red scrambling to revamp their frontline. To do so, DC have certainly shown some ambition.

Tai Baribo was signed from the Philadelphia Union in a cash transfer, and Louis Munteanu arrived from Romanian side CFR Cluj for a club-record €6m ($7m).

The 23-year-old only scored three times in the first half of 2025/26 as he was dealing with repeated injury problems. Last season, however, the Romania international netted 25 goals in 42 appearances.

4. Facundo Torres - Palmeiras to Austin FC (€8m)

The fourth most expensive signing of 2026 is a familiar face. Uruguay winger Facundo Torres returned to MLS with Austin FC after a spell at Brazilian giants Palmeiras.

The 25-year-old struggled to consistently break into one of the most star-studded sides in South America, but he still made a whopping 61 appearances in the calendar year of 2025, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists.

Torres is Austin's marquee signing, joining for €8m ($9.5m). He previously starred for Orlando City, where he scored 14 goals in back-to-back regular seasons. All told, the versatile attacker notched 47 goals and 20 assists in 123 appearances for the Lions.

3. German Berterame - Monterrey to Inter Miami (€12.6m)

Inter Miami went big in the market after winning MLS Cup in 2025. Despite re-signing Barcelona legend Luis Suarez to a fresh deal, the Herons also brought in a new starting striker in the shape of German Berterame in the offseason.

The Mexico international joined from Monterrey in a €12.6m ($15m) deal after scoring 68 goals in 153 appearances for Rayados. He is not entirely unfamiliar to MLS audiences, as he had repeatedly been linked with US clubs in previous years.

FC Cincinnati and the Portland Timbers had been close to striking deals for the Argentina-born striker, but both times Berterame opted to remain in Mexico. Before signing the 27-year-old, Miami made an audacious cash offer for LAFC superstar Denis Bouanga.

Berterame is not the only offensive addition. Tadeo Allende was signed permanently from Celta Vigo for €5m after breaking the record for most MLS playoff goals during his loan spell in 2025.

2. Rodrigo de Paul - Atletico Madrid to Inter Miami (€15m)

Inter Miami also boast the second most expensive signing of 2026 in Rodrigo de Paul, another player who was previously on loan at the club. The 2022 World Cup winner initially joined from Atletico Madrid in a controversial deal in the summer.

Miami were unable to sign De Paul permanently because all of their Designated Player slots were already filled. They instead agreed a loan deal with a purchase option, but it was an open secret that it was effectively a permanent signing.

With Sergio Busquets retiring after the 2025 season, De Paul took the Spaniard's DP spot after his option was triggered for €15m ($17m), making him one of the most expensive signings in MLS history.

1. Josh Sargent - Norwich City to Toronto FC (€18.7m)

The player who could still become the most expensive signing in MLS history is USMNT striker Josh Sargent, who was Toronto FC's blockbuster offseason signing. Well, offseason is perhaps not quite accurate given that this transfer saga only concluded after the 2026 season had kicked off.

Norwich City refused to let Sargent go cheaply and wanted a fee similar to the €24m Wolfsburg had been prepared to pay in the summer of 2025, before the striker decided that he was not keen on a return to Germany.

With Sargent pushing for the move to Toronto - he wanted to return to North America with his young family - Norwich banished him to the reserves, but the Canaries ultimately convinced TFC to cough up a hefty fee.

The upfront sum of roughly €18.7m has made Sargent the biggest MLS signing of 2026, and he could actually overtake Son Heung-min's league record of €22m if all the bonuses in his deal are triggered.

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