MLS sets records for both incoming and outgoing international transfers in 2026

Major League Soccer announced in late September 2026 that it had set records for both incoming and outgoing players on the international transfer market that year, with 186 total international players signed by MLS clubs, representing 51 countries. Brazil led the nations represented, with 16 players joining the league.

High-profile arrivals included Robert Lewandowski joining the Chicago Fire and Antoine Griezmann signing with Orlando City, both marquee moves for a league increasingly competing for recognizable international talent. On the outgoing side, Real Salt Lake homegrown player Zavier Gozo was sold to Crystal Palace for a reported $22 million, a record fee for an MLS academy product, while English clubs spent $4.7 billion combined on players that same summer window, led by Manchester City’s record single-club outlay of $600 million.