Five Candidates for MLS’s Next Record Transfer Post Thiago Almada

The latest news regarding Thiago Almada’s transfer from Atlanta United to Botafogo in Brazil might suggest that Major League Soccer (MLS) is still behind more established football leagues when it comes to attracting and keeping top talent.

However, the fact that Botafogo paid an MLS record $30 million for the Argentine World Cup winner shows how highly regarded the best players in MLS are now on the global stage. With this in mind, here are five MLS stars who could potentially surpass Almada’s record as the league’s most expensive sale.

Contenders for MLS Next Record Transfer Post Thiago Almada

Cucho Hernández

Many may not recall Cucho Hernández’s stint at Watford, where he struggled with loan moves and limited Premier League appearances. Since joining Columbus Crew in a record $10 million move midway through the 2022 season, Hernández has become one of the league’s top strikers. He scored 24 goals in 36 games last season, leading the Crew to the MLS Cup and earning MVP honors. This season, the Columbian already has 13 goals in 18 matches. The striker’s recent hat-trick against Aston Villa has also renewed interest from Premier League fans.

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Riqui Puig

Former Barcelona talent Riqui Puig is one of the few players who have moved from a European giant to MLS while still in their prime. At 24, Puig left Barcelona for Los Angeles Galaxy in 2022, despite interest from other European clubs. Since arriving in MLS, he has been one of the top creative midfielders, earning All-Star selections in both of his full seasons. This year, the Spaniard has already set career highs with eight goals and five assists.

Evander

As the key playmaker for Portland Timbers, Evander has become one of the most consistent No.10s in MLS this season. With 11 goals and 11 assists from 20 games in 2024, he is a strong MVP contender. Portland signed him from FC Midtjylland in December 2022, and after a solid debut season, he has elevated his game this year. If this form continues, the Brazilian might soon attract interest from top European clubs and secure a senior Brazil cap.

Gabriel Pec

Gabriel Pec of the Los Angeles Galaxy is another Brazilian making an impact in MLS. The versatile attacking midfielder joined the Galaxy from Vasco da Gama earlier this year. Although he started slowly with just two goals and one assist in his first ten matches, Pec has recently excelled, with ten goals and nine assists this season. Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney has praised his confidence and adaptation to the league.

Andrés Gómez

Andrés Gómez of Real Salt Lake has emerged as a standout player this season, contributing 13 goals and seven assists. Signed from Millonarios last year, Gómez had a quiet debut season but has since found his form. Known for his creativity, dribbling, and finishing, he has attracted attention from top European clubs like Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund.

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