170 players have had their market values updated
Following the closing of the secondary transfer window and the conclusion of significant transfer activity in Europe after last week’s deadline, Transfermarkt has updated the market values of 170 Major League Soccer players. This update primarily highlights new signings and players involved in notable transfer discussions. A key player affected is Inter Miami CF star Rodrigo De Paul, who has lost his position as the highest-valued player in MLS.
“Despite being a regular starter at Atlético Madrid, De Paul chose to transition from LaLiga to a less competitive league, MLS,” noted Dominic Becker, Transfermarkt Data Administrator for North America. “The buy option in his contract is merely €18m, making a reduction in market value inevitable.” Accordingly, Transfermarkt has decreased his valuation from €25m to €20m, marking the most significant decline in this update. Nevertheless, De Paul remains among the most valuable players in the league, alongside Riqui Puig and newcomer Heung-Min Son.
Although LAFC’s Son might typically face a valuation drop, his €22m transfer fee, immense popularity resulting in high jersey sales in Southern California, a robust commercial presence within the large Korean community in Los Angeles, and commendable on-field performances have allowed him to maintain his value at €20m. In fact, the 33-year-old has performed well, netting one goal and providing two assists in his initial four MLS matches.
MLS Market Value Update: Rising Star Obed Vargas Demand Soars
One of the standout performers in this update is Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, whose market value has risen by €2m, from €6m to €8m. “It is difficult to envision the Sounders’ midfield without the Anchorage, Alaska native,” Becker commented. “At just 20, he has become a central figure and key asset for his team. Liga MX team Tigres previously offered $10m for him, which the Sounders turned down. There is a strong demand for him, and European clubs are closely monitoring his situation.” Transfermarkt understands that Vargas’s family favors an eventual move to Europe over Mexico, exploring options for a potential transfer to Germany’s Bundesliga in the winter window.
Vargas is among several young talents in MLS to keep an eye on. In Vancouver, the Whitecaps are making impressive strides at the top of the Western Conference. Their young roster, bolstered by the recent signing of German superstar Thomas Müller, has attracted significant attention. As a result, young Whitecaps players, including Canadian national team member Ali Ahmed, are garnering interest from European clubs. According to Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old received an offer from 2. Bundesliga club Schalke 04, willing to pay a substantial fee, which was ultimately rejected by the Whitecaps. Nonetheless, the offered amount surpassed Ahmed’s existing market value, prompting an increase in his evaluation from €3m to €3.5m.
While Vargas and Ahmed see their values rise from prospective transfers, other players like Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali experienced valuation increases due to transfer fees this summer. “The 26-year-old consistently scored goals for his previous clubs,” Becker remarked. “Columbus Crew invested well in him, hoping he would continue his scoring streak. His market value increased from €4m to €6m, primarily due to his transfer fee and performances at the FIFA Club World Cup with Al-Ahly FC.” Other players influenced by their transfer fees include Toronto FC’s Djordje Mihailovic (+€1.5m to €6.5m), NYCFC’s Nicolás Fernández Mercau (+€2m to €6m), and Charlotte FC’s Adilson Malanda (+€2m to €6m), who was sold to Middlesbrough for €6.9m and subsequently loaned back.
MLS Market Values: Surridge Shines; Vazquez and Galaxy Players See Declines
Established MLS players have also seen value increases thanks to remarkable performances. Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge is a perfect example of a player who needed time to acclimate to MLS. After a slow start, he had a breakout season last year and has continued this momentum, leading the league in scoring ahead of Messi. With 20 goals in 29 regular-season matches this season, Surridge’s market value has risen from €5m to €7m.
Conversely, Austin FC’s Brandon Vazquez and Myrto Uzuni are among those experiencing market value declines. Both players were acquired for record sums at the beginning of the season but have struggled to make a significant impact. Vazquez, recovering from a tough year in Mexico, has only managed five goals in 19 MLS matches and now faces a long injury recovery due to a cruciate ligament tear. Meanwhile, Uzuni, now 30, has recorded only five goals and three assists in 23 matches, which falls short of expectations for his €12m transfer fee. Consequently, both players have been downgraded by €500,000, bringing their values to €7m.
They are not the only prominent players to see downgrades. While LA Galaxy secured a spot in next season’s Concacaf Champions Cup by finishing third in the Leagues Cup, their league performance has been disappointing, currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with only 20 points from 22 games. This has resulted in significant downgrades for Galaxy stars Gabriel Pec (-€2m to €8m) and Joseph Paintsil (-€1m to €7m).
