The MLS is a sports league in the world of soccer that does not have the greatest of reputations around the world, however there is no denying that it has been able to change perception over recent years.
It is a league that has been notoriously known in certain sections within Europe as one in which some of the world's best players who have entered their twilight years as a professional soccer player looking to wind down their careers whilst still trying to play competitively as much as they can.
A number of stars to have played in the MLS
Of course, there have been a number of huge names to have played in the MLS over the years, with some also playing there now. You have the likes of David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to have played for the Los Angeles Galaxy, as well as individuals including Kaka, Nani, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sebastien Giovinco, and others, as well as players including Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi plying their trade at Inter Miami.
Although many will look at the players who have huge star appeal, there are some in the MLS at the moment who will likely be representing their countries at the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, too. With both the USMNT and Canada having been able to qualify, we will be able to expect to see a number of the league's stars playing on the grandest scene.
As a result of the two North American countries playing, could we potentially see a number of transfers take place? Depending on how well certain individuals perform, there is every chance that some of them could be on the move.
The summer transfer window might be a little different
This year's summer transfer window will be a little different in regard to teams potentially using a big tournament to scout players and make decisions, as we know the competition will be played in the winter instead, but there could be a number of clubs who look to take a chance.
With that in mind, we thought it would be worth taking a look at the record transfers to have been made regarding the MLS ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at those to have been made by using the figures that have been made available by Transfermarkt's pool of data.
Miguel Almiron - $26.4 million
Having impressed in the MLS for Atlanta United, Miguel Almiron was snapped up by English Premier League outfit Newcastle United for a record $26.4 million in January 2019.
Since arriving in the Premier League, fans are yet to really see the Paraguay international do what he managed to achieve in the U.S., and with many continuing to watch one of the biggest soccer competitions in the world regularly and participating in soccer betting to further enhance the experience after it became legal across a number of states nationwide, they will have been left disappointed by what they have seen.
Almiron has struggled to make a real impact, and with Newcastle United now in a position to sign almost anyone they want, his time at St. James' Park might be limited, especially if he is unable to improve.
Ricardo Pepi - $18 million
Just an 18-year-old at the time, USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi had moved to FC Augsburg in the German Bundesliga from FC Dallas for a transfer fee of $18 million in the January 21/22 transfer window.
Gonzalo Martinez - $17.60 million & $15.95 million
Prior to Almiron's departure from Atlanta United, the MLS outfit had smashed the transfer record that had existed by purchasing Gonzal Martinez just days before the Paraguayan left for England.
Martinez - who has represented Argentina - arrived for a transfer fee of $15.95 million when signing from River Plate, however he only lasted 18 months or so before being sold to Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia for a fee of $17.60 million. These two transactions meant he would enter the top five on two occasions.
Thiago Almada - $16 million
Wedged between the two deals involving Martinez is another transaction that Atlanta United had made, albeit a lot more recently.
In the 21/22 transfer window, they had managed to acquire Thiago Almada from Velez Sarsfield as they splashed out $16 million on the then-20-year-old, and have been rewarded for their investment as he continues to be an influential figure in the MLS.
Conclusion
There you have it, the players who have made the top five transfer records where the MLS is concerned!