These 10 players are the most expensive transfers in MLS history

Atlanta United has made another expensive purchase.

The winners of the 2018 MLS Cup announced Feb. 4 they signed Emmanuel Latte Lath for a reported club-record fee.

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Latte Lath, 26, was in fine form for Middlesbrough in the English Championship, bagging 11 goals and recording three assists in 29 games this season.

Though Atlanta didn't disclose the transfer fee in its announcement, MLS said on its website the deal was worth a reported $22 million.

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The signing comes off the heels of Atlanta bringing back popular winger Miguel Almiron. So, where does Latte Lath rank among most expensive MLS incomings? Here's what to know:

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Who are the most expensive MLS signings?

Latte Lath's signing with Atlanta makes him the most expensive MLS signing to date. Here's a look at the top 10, with all fees in euros via Transfermarkt:

10. RW Luiz Araujo, Atlanta United: 11.50 million (2021/22)

9. ST Brenner, FC Cincinnati: 11.82 million (2020/21)

T-6. LW Myrto Uzuni, Austin FC: 12 million (2024/25)

T-6. AM Aleksey Miranchuk, Atlanta United: 12 million (2024/25)

T-6. LW/RW Hirving Lozano, San Diego FC: 12 million

5. AM Esequiel Barco, Atlanta United: 12.28 million (2017/18)

T-3. AM Gonzalo Martinez, Atlanta United: 14.50 million (2018/19)

T-3. AM Thiago Almada, Atlanta United: 14.50 million (2021/22)

2. ST Kévin Denkey, FC Cincinnati: 15.3 million (2024/25)

1. ST Emmanuel Latte-Lath, Atlanta United: 21.25 million (2025)

Why is Lionel Messi not on the list?

Messi, who joined Miami in 2023, is not on the list as he technically arrived as a free transfer, though his salary is still lucrative.