The list of the most expensive players in Major League Soccer history could change if San Diego FC completes the signing of Mexican national team star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.
A message from Athletic's Tom Bogert revealed that the new MLS club is close to finalizing a deal to bring the 28-year-old player back to North America. It will be Lozano's first time playing for a North American club since moving up from Liga MX side Pachuca before leaving in July 2017 to sign for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for a reported $14m.
Bogert explained that San Diego is expected to pay around $12 million in transfer fees to land Lozano, meaning the former Napoli player will be one of the most expensive transfers in the league if the deal goes through.
It would also be a monumental moment for the burgeoning MLS side to break the bank to acquire one of the most talented strikers in CONCACAF. Years ago, MLS sides only dreamed of paying billion-dollar transfer fees, but that has all changed in recent seasons. If Lozano signs with a new league team before their first campaign in 2025, he will become the seventh most expensive player in MLS history.
Atlanta United have tried to inject more brilliance and intensity into their forward line by signing winger Luiz Araujo. Araujo – who was fresh off a Ligue 1 title with Lille before joining – has shown signs of promise as he has been involved in 24 goals in 63 games for the Five Stripes.
However, Araujo and Atlanta did not get along well, which led to the Brazilian leaving in July 2023 for South American giants Flamengo.
A few years into their 2019 season debut, FC Cincinnati attempted to turn their fortunes around when they paid a 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 scored 27 points in 72 games to help Cincinnati reach their first ever post-season berth in 2022 before joining Italian side Udinese last summer for $10m.
Not only did the Chicago Fire break club transfer records with the addition of Hugo Cuypers this off-season, but the Eastern Conference side also jumped into MLS' top five most expensive players after signing their new striker.
Cuypers crossed the pond to trade life in Belgium with Gent in favor of the Windy City, where he has scored two goals in 10 games so far.
Surprise, surprise, Atlanta makes the list again as they can't hold back when it comes to signing talented South American midfielders.
18-year-old Esequiel Barco stepped up at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Atlanta paid nearly $13m for the youngster's services but did not live up to expectations. Barco shone here and there but returned to Argentina to join River Plate in January 2022 after 107 appearances for the Five Stripes.
Following Miguel Almiron's departure from Premier League club Newcastle United in January 2019, Atlanta returned to South America to sign Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez from Argentine giants River Plate for an estimated $15.5m.
Although his time in Atlanta was short-lived, he managed to score a respectable 11 goals and 14 assists in 54 games before joining Al Nassr in September 2020.
Atlanta United broke the bank for young midfielder Thiago Almada in early 2022, shelling out an estimated $16m for the World Cup winner's services.
It has been a huge return on investment for the Five Stripes so far, with Almada attracting interest from European sides such as Ajax after recording 46 goal involvements in 74 games for Atlanta.
Source link
