The quality of MLS signings has increased exponentially year after year. Perhaps the best example are the players that recently joined the league ahead of the 2020 season that begins next week. Several top players mostly coming from Liga MX have decided to make the jump to MLS. Therefore, teams in the league have been forced to pay big amounts of cash in order to get them.
If we take a look at the league s Top 5 most expensive signings heading into the 2020 MLS season, which players have made the cut?
Yimmi Chará Portland Timbers
The Colombian winger was one of the most electrifying wingers in the CONMEBOL only two years ago, as he used to play at a high level for both Junior Barranquilla and Atletico Mineiro. However, he lost his starting role in the Brazilian side, and he has decided to make the jump to MLS to feature for Portland Timbers. He will be reunited with his brother, Diego Chará. Portland have paid $5.9M for his services.
Lucas Zelayarán Columbus Crew
The Argentinian playmaker enjoyed great seasons with Tigres UANL in the Liga MX, but he was tempted with an MLS switch and couldn t reject the offer. Zelarayán moves to Columbus in order to fill the void left by his countryman, Federico Higuaín. The transfer value was $7.9M, the fourth-highest in the league.
Javier Hernández Los Angeles Galaxy
Los Angeles Galaxy needed to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and they shocked the market by doing so. The California-based franchise completed a move for Mexico legend Javier Hernandez. The Mexican signed with the club after a poor first half of the season featuring for Sevilla in LaLiga. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen star became an absolute star as soon as he landed on American soil. The Galaxy paid $9.3 million to sign Chicharito.
Alan Pulido Sporting Kansas City
The Mexican striker was one of the top scorers during the Liga MX Apertura campaign. As a result, he will now become Sporting Kansas City s main scoring threat entering the 2020 season. The Western Conference franchise paid $9.4 million for his services. The 28-year-old striker has earned 13 caps with El Tri, scoring five times.
Rodolfo Pizarro Inter Miami
Surprisingly, Pizarro was the most expensive transfer ahead of the 2020 MLS season. The Mexico international, who was playing for Rayados Monterrey, has completed a switch to play for Inter Miami, a team that will make their debut in the 2020 season. Inter paid $11.8 million to acquire the 26-year-old attacking midfielder.