Giorgos Giakoumakis close to Atlanta exit: What are the most expensive transfers in MLS history?

Atlanta United’s mid-season shakeup continues apace at star striker Giorgos Giakoumakis is closing in on a move to Cruz Azul of Liga MX. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda was recently dismissed and team captain Thiago Almada is heavily linked with a move to Europe this summer.

Giakoumakis arrived at the start of 2023 from Scottish Premiership club Celtic and he has proven to be one of the best players in the league. The Greek striker contributed 24 goals and five assists in his 39 MLS appearances for the clubalthough his 2024 campaign has been plagued by injury issues.

Atlanta spent $4 million to secure his services and appears poised to make a healthy profit on the 29-year-old. The Athletic reports that the transfer fee will be $10 millionmaking it one of the largest outgoing transfer fees in MLS history.

What are the most expensive MLS transfer fees?

In recent years, MLS has become a major hunting ground for European clubs looking to land promising young players. The growth of MLS – both in terms of quality and economic strength – makes it a popular springboard for young prospects from South America.

As European clubs charge higher and higher fees to young players MLS has become a key market for top clubs in the “big five” leagues. and the fees reflect that. Eight-figure transfer fees are increasingly common and will only continue as the league’s influence grows. Here’s a look at the biggest outgoing transfers in MLS history…

What is the highest transfer fee paid by an MLS team?

In terms of incoming transfers, Atlanta United is way above the rest. The ambitious team joined the league in 2017 and wasted no time making noise in MLS. Atlanta is responsible for the three most expensive transfer fees ever paid by MLS clubs and owns four of the top five spots.

They have a mixed record with these deals, but Almada, a $15.9 million purchase from Vélez Sarsfield, should earn them a large profit on their investment. His transfer represents the perfect model for ambitious MLS teams like Atlanta: bring in a promising young player; get a few years of high production as they develop; and finally sell them in Europe.

Giakoumakis’ departure will free up another designated player spot for the front office this summer and all indications are that Atlanta will look to bring in a major offensive star. Atlanta has had a poor start to 2024, but this midseason refresh could give them a much-needed boost for the second half of the year.