CORNERFLICK
MLS clubs have broken the league’s transfer record, with spending rising above $370 million and sales income reaching $218 million in a window shaped by the 2026 World Cup build-up.
Record spend and sales
The figures were announced by MLS on Wednesday and mark a new high on both sides of the market. Clubs paid out more than $370 million to bring in new players, while also banking $218 million from departures.
The league said eight teams set new club records for transfer fees paid. It also pointed to a second straight year in which total transfer income has moved above the $200 million mark.
Big names and young talent
The summer business included moves involving Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski, Breel Embolo and Casemiro, according to ILNA in its report on the market activity.
MLS also said 20 of the players signed by its clubs this summer were due to appear at the 2026 World Cup, including Angus Gunn, Luke de Fougerolles and Cedric Bakambu. It added that Zavier Gozo’s $15 million move from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace was the second-largest transfer fee for an academy and homegrown MLS player.