MLS shatters spending record with $336 million transfer window, fueled by deals that brought Son Heung-Min to LAFC and Rodrigo De Paul to Inter Miami

Major League Soccer had a record-breaking transfer window in 2025, with its clubs spending more than $336 million combined on player signings - by far the highest in MLS history - the league announced this week.

According to the league, the surge in spending was fueled by three marquee transfers and more than $40 million exchanged through recently introduced player allocation trades. This figure nearly doubled last year’s $188 million total, and left previous records well behind: $170 million in 2021 and $163 million in 2022.

The record window underlines the league's growing ambition to position itself as a global football destination. By investing heavily in elite international talent, MLS is signaling a new era of competitiveness and international relevance.

The biggest splash came from LAFC, which secured the signature of South Korean star Son Heung-Min from Tottenham for roughly $26 million. World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul followed, swapping Atlético Madrid for Inter Miami in a move worth close to $15 million.

Columbus Crew also joined the high-spending clubs, bringing in Danish striker Wessam Abou Ali from Al Ahly for around $7.5 million.

“MLS clubs set a new benchmark in 2025, spending close to $336 million on transfers, driven by three headline signings and more than $40 million in newly introduced player-cash trades,” the league confirmed in a statement.