Top MLS Transfer Fees: Where Son Lands and Why Messi, Beckham Don't Make List

Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. These global icons would make any shortlist of the greatest MLS signings – but don't look for them on the highest transfer fee list. 

That list is now topped by Son Heung-min. The South Korean superstar joined LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday for a reported fee of $26 million, which would break the MLS record. 

Interestingly, the biggest international names in MLS history such as Messi and Beckham signed on free transfers – although their annual salaries were among the league's highest (Messi currently makes $20 million a season).

So let's look at this in two lists: The top five highest MLS transfer fees, and the five most impactful international stars in the league's history.

1. Son Heung-min: Tottenham Hotspur to LAFC (2025)

Reported fee: $26 million

Son leaves the Premier League as a legend, helping Spurs win the 2024-25 Europa League to break a 17-year-old trophy drought in North London. Son had 173 goals and registered 101 assists in 454 appearances for the club in all competitions. He'll lead South Korea into the 2026 World Cup, making him a star attraction both on and off the field. 

2. Emmanuel Latte Lath: Middlesbrough to Atlanta United (2025)

Reported fee: $22 million

Not the most recognizable name for the No. 2 spot on this list, but Latte Lath was a steady contributor in the second-tier English Championship (29 goals in 67 appearances) before joining Atlanta. The Ivory Coast star has 6 goals in 20 appearances for Atlanta, who aren't shy about spending big bucks on talent. 

Before Son Heung-min's deal to LAFC, it was Emmanuel Latte Lath who had the highest transfer fee for an incoming player to MLS. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox - Leagues Cup/MLS via Getty