MLS shatters spending record with $336 million transfer window, fueled by deals that brought Son Heung-Min to LAFC and Rodrigo De Paul to Inter Miami

Nearly doubling the 2024 mark of $188 million, the league set a historic new high in transfer spending

  • Heung-Min Son joined LAFC in a $26M deal
  • Rodrigo De Paul signed with Inter Miami for nearly $15M
  • Columbus Crew landed Wessam Abou Ali for $7.5M
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Major League Soccer had a record-breaking transfer window in 2025, with its clubs spending more than $336 million combined on player signings – by far the highest in MLS history – the league announced this week.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    According to the league, the surge in spending was fueled by three marquee transfers and more than $40 million exchanged through recently introduced player allocation trades. This figure nearly doubled last year’s $188 million total, and left previous records well behind: $170 million in 2021 and $163 million in 2022.

    The record window underlines the league's growing ambition to position itself as a global football destination. By investing heavily in elite international talent, MLS is signaling a new era of competitiveness and international relevance.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    The biggest splash came from LAFC, which secured the signature of South Korean star Son Heung-Min from Tottenham for roughly $26 million. World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul followed, swapping Atlético Madrid for Inter Miami in a move worth close to $15 million.

    Columbus Crew also joined the high-spending clubs, bringing in Danish striker Wessam Abou Ali from Al Ahly for around $7.5 million.

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    WHAT MLS SAID?

    “MLS clubs set a new benchmark in 2025, spending close to $336 million on transfers, driven by three headline signings and more than $40 million in newly introduced player-cash trades,” the league confirmed in a statement.

Confira os jogadores relacionados pelo Flamengo para a partida contra o Nova Iguaçu

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo divulgou a lista de jogadores relacionados para a partida contra o Nova Iguaçu, neste sábado, às 16h, pelo Campeonato Carioca. O lateralFilipe Luís está de volta ao time. Ele foi relacionado pela primeira vez na temporada. O técnico Vitor Pereira optou por levar força máxima entre os relacionados, mas não é certo que os titulares comecem jogando.

+ Flamengo x Nova Iguaçu: onde assistir, escalações e desfalques do jogo do Carioca

A partida será transmitida pelos canais Band e BandSports, além da transmissão em Tempo Real do LANCE!.

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Como atuou em uma rodada a mais do que os adversários, por conta da sua participação no Mundial de Clubes, em fevereiro, o Flamengo lidera a Taça Guanabara com sete pontos após três jogos. O Nova Iguaçu, por sua vez, tem um ponto e busca sua primeira vitória – veja a classificação!

Arthur Elias, técnico do Corinthians feminino, vence prêmio Bola de Prata

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Arthur Elias, que comanda o time feminino do Corinthians, levou o bi de melhor técnico do Brasil no Prêmio Bola de Prata, da Espn, nesta segunda-feira (14). Em 2022, foram três títulos: Supercopa e Campeonato Brasileiro, e ainda tem a chance de fechar o ano com a taça do Campeonato Paulista, que ainda está em disputa.

>Times brasileiros definidos! Saiba os clubes que já têm vaga na Libertadores 2023

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– As conquistas são sempre coletivas, nunca individuais. É um trabalho de uma comissão técnica que está comigo há muitos anos, profissionais de diferentes áreas, e todas as jogadores que entram em campo, além do apoio da diretoria do clube. Futebol é sempre um trabalho coletivo, o que aumentam as chances da gente conseguir vencer como a gente vem fazendo – disse o treinador, em entrevista coletiva.

O Corinthians não conseguiu fazer uma boa Copa Libertadores, torneio em que o rival Palmeiras ficou com o título. O time alvinegro foi eliminado nas quartas de final pelo Boca Juniors.

– Em relação à Libertadores, jogamos muito abaixo do que a equipe pode, estamos muito conscientes disso e sou o primeiro a fazer as reflexões e cobranças necessárias, primeiro a mim e depois às jogadoras e todos os profissionais – disse o treinador.

Arthur Elias está no comando corintiano desde 2016, quando o Timão comprou o time feminino do Audax. O técnico afirma que o time sempre entra para vencer, mas que algumas questões de calendário ainda incomodam e prejudicam.

– A gente entra em todas as competições para vencer e foi assim na Libertadores, mas realmente, ao meu modo de ver, é uma competição que precisa o seu formato. É muito desgastante o calendário, jogadoras que estavam na Seleção Brasileira chegarem um dia antes da competição numa cidade com altitude. Mas isso não nos tira a responsabilidade de fazer melhor do que a gente fez, seja o formato que for. Agora estamos focados no Campeonato Paulista – finalizou Arthur Elias.

'Not brutal at all' – Mats Hummels says both Jamal Musiala and Gianluigi Donnarumma had role in Bayern Munich star's horror injury as PSG goalkeeper's tackle deemed 'completely normal'

Former Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels claimed that Gianluigi Donnarumma's challenge on Jamal Musiala was a completely normal action.

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  • Hummels believes Donnarumma's challenge on Musiala no big deal
  • Claims both players had a role in Musiala's injury
  • Didn't want to blame the goalkeeper
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Former Bayern Munich and Germany national team player Hummels has come to the defence of Donnarumma, who was held accountable for the horrific ankle dislocation Musiala suffered during the Club World Cup quarter-final between Paris Saint-Germain and the Bundesliga champions. The ex-defender explained that both players were equally responsible for the unfortunate injury, and that the Italian goalkeeper's challenge was completely normal.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Donnarumma has come under fire after Musiala suffered an injury and had to be stretchered off. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said that the ex-Milan keeper "wasn't being considerate" while making an attempt to win the ball. Manuel Neuer also didn't hold back, claiming that Donnarumma "didn't have to go in like that" and that it was "reckless". However, Musiala posted a message on social media following a successful surgery on his fractured fibula, and added that nobody was to blame for what he went through.

  • WHAT MATS HUMMELS SAID

    Speaking on his podcast , Hummels said: "It was a completely normal action. Not brutal at all. Both players have a part in the injury. That's how I would put it. You sometimes recognise situations that are simply risky, where you can hurt yourself very quickly. And to me, that looked like an injury right from the start.

    "The injury is really bad, he's a great player, but… every game, players and goalkeepers are in tough situations, and [the challenges] are significantly less clean."

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Donnarumma will be aiming to help PSG win their fifth trophy of the season on Sunday, July 13, when his side take on Chelsea in the Club World Cup final. Meanwhile, Musiala has been confirmed to remain on the sidelines for the next four to five months, which means he's unlikely to return to action before 2026.

VÍDEO: Põe no DVD! Corinthians volta a provocar o Internacional nas redes sociais

MatériaMais Notícias

Já se passaram três dias desde que o Corinthians derrotou o Internacional por 4 a 1 e faturou o título do Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino, mas as provocações ao Colorado seguem a todo vapor.

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+ Corinthians tetracampeão! Lembre todos os times vencedores do Brasileirão Feminino

Ao som da música “Põe no DVD”, da dupla Leo Bueno e Julio Cesar, o clube alvinegro postou em suas redes sociais os melhores momentos do título das Brabas no Brasileirão, bem como os gols marcados pela equipe de Vítor Pereira no empate em 2 a 2 com o time de Mano Menezes, pela 25ª rodada do campeonato nacional.

Logo após o título das Brabas no Brasileirão, com direito a recorde de público em uma partida de futebol feminino no Brasil, o Corinthians já havia usado a polêmica do DVD para cutucar o Inter.

+ Veja tabela e simule as próximas rodadas do Brasileirão

Tanto no masculino quanto no feminino, o Colorado jamais venceu o Timão na Neo Química Arena. São 10 confrontos desde a inauguração do estádio, em 2014, com cinco vitórias dos mandantes e cinco empates.

continua após a publicidade

ENTENDA A POLÊMICA DO DVD ENVOLVENDO CORINTHIANS E INTERNACIONAL

Corinthians e Internacional decidiram a Copa do Brasil de 2009. Contudo, antes da final, a diretoria do Inter preparou um dossiê, em um DVD entregue à CBF, com supostos erros de arbitragem que teriam beneficiado o Timão.

O Time do Povo venceu por 2 a 0 o primeiro jogo da final e segurou o empate em 2 a 2 no Beira-Rio, faturando o título da Copa do Brasil. Desde então, o Corinthians usa o episódio do DVD para provocar o Colorado, como no caso envolvendo o volante Petros, e o anúncio da contratação de Yuri Alberto.

Newcastle join race to sign Ekitike alternative who has matched club record

Setting their sights on a new target, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga forward who could arrive instead of Hugo Ekitike this summer.

Newcastle scout Ekitike alternative

Whilst it seems as though a fresh striker is the last thing that Newcastle need, the fact that Callum Wilson is currently on course to leave as a free agent this summer means that they could do with depth behind Alexander Isak.

It is also worth noting that the interest in signing Isak only looks likely to increase as the summer approaches, igniting a transfer window saga which may last until the very end.

Currently, Newcastle’s reported £160m valuation looks as though it could fend off any potential suitors, but if that does not prove to be the case then having added firepower from the bench will prove to be no bad thing.

More assists than Gordon: Newcastle plotting move to sign "terrific" star

He’s enjoying an excellent season.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 20, 2025

That said, the main name mentioned on that front has been Ekitike. The Magpies very nearly signed the Frenchman before he ultimately chose to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and have now reportedly ignited their interest as he rediscovers his best form at Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, the forward isn’t the only Bundesliga star on their list of options. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz this summer after sending their scouts to watch the impressive goalscorer.

Like Ekitike, Burkardt has enjoyed an excellent season in the Bundesliga to earn his way onto Newcastle’s radar alongside the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Potentially left with a major decision to make when the transfer window opens, the German could be on his way to St James’ Park.

"Marksman" Burkardt is more clinical than Ekitike

Although Burkardt steals fewer headlines than Ekitike, he has been in more clinical form than the Frenchman in the Bundesliga this season – even matching a long-standing Mainz record by scoring 15 Bundesliga goals in a single campaign.

Becoming the first Mainz player to do so since Shinji Okazaki in the 2013/14 campaign, the 24-year-old could now follow the same path as the former Premier League forward, courtesy of Newcastle.

Starts

21

23

Goals

15

13

Assists

2

4

Expected Goals

10.9

17.5

Dubbed a “marksman” by OptaFranz after he scored his 15th goal of the season, Burkardt has been more ruthless than ever in front of goal this season – almost outperforming his xG by five goals.

In comparison, Ekitike has underperformed by over four goals, albeit whilst creating more than his Bundesliga counterpart. Two strikers who carry different traits, Newcastle must decide whether they want a clinical finisher or the more creative Ekitike.

When the summer arrives, the Magpies’ striker department will certainly be one to watch as Wilson departs, interest in Isak arrives and decisions are made over deals for Ekitike and Burkardt.

Update: PSG offer fresh sale stance as Aston Villa plot £25m Asensio deal

Turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now been given their answer in pursuit of signing one particular attacking reinforcement on a permanent basis.

Aston Villa receive fresh sale stance

Whilst Unai Emery’s side have struggled to maintain their push to finish inside the Premier League’s top four this season, they have at least enjoyed their European exploits and are gunning to shock the rest of the Champions League.

After thrashing Club Brugge, the Midlands club are set to square off against Paris Saint-Germain in what could see Emery get one over on his former club and reach the last four.

Once again it was Marco Asensio who stole the show, netting twice to score his sixth and seventh Aston Villa goal and continue what has been an impressive loan spell.

At times he has left the Villans with little choice but to consider his permanent arrival, so much so that they’ve now received their answer over that possibility. According to reports in Spain, PSG are now willing to sell Asensio for just €30m (£25m) this summer amid interest over a permanent deal from Aston Villa.

A multiple-time Champions League winner and someone who has already proved his quality in abundance at Villa Park, there’s every chance that Asensio could be among the bargains of the summer.

Stronger than McGinn: Aston Villa racing Real Madrid to sign "superb" teen

He’s one to watch…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 14, 2025

Those in the Midlands are already set to get a glimpse of what life without the Spaniard is like when they square off against PSG and he is unable to play against his parent club and they won’t want to see that glimpse become their reality.

"Special" Asensio has earned permanent move

If there were any doubts over Asensio’s ability to steal the headlines on the biggest stage after a mixed spell at PSG, then those have swiftly been put to bed at Aston Villa.

Scoring seven goals for Emery’s side to take his total to nine for the season at Villa and PSG combined, the 29-year-old has more than earned the chance to complete a permanent move this summer.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of his form, Andros Townsend told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily Podcast when asked about Asensio: “He is a special, special talent. He always has been. He struggled with a knee injury, which stopped him from being world class, but as we have seen since he has been at Villa, he is still a top, top player.”

Still within four points of the top four, if Aston Villa are to climb back into Champions League qualification then Asensio will no doubt be among the key players to play a crucial part.

Meanwhile, the former Real Madrid star must hope that his teammates get the job done in his absence against PSG in the Champions League.

Neymar insists 'desperation' to score a goal led to failed 'Hand of God' attempt in grovelling apology as handball red card proves costly in late Santos defeat to Botafogo

Neymar has issued a grovelling apology after his needless red card for a blatant handball proved costly in Santos' loss to Botafogo on Sunday.

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  • Neymar issued apology after handball red card
  • Brazil star claimed first yellow card could have been avoided
  • Botafogo beat Santos 1-0 with late goal
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Neymar was sent off in the 76th minute after he picked up a second yellow card for punching the ball into the net. The Brazil icon's absence proved costly as Botafogo scored the winning goal 10 minutes later and secured a crucial three points in Brazil's Serie A.

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  • WHAT NEYMAR SAID

    After the game, the 33-year-old attacker posted an apology on social media as he wrote: "Desperation of scoring sometimes causes us to commit mistakes… I want to apologise to my teammates and also to the fans! I made a mistake, forgive me!!! Today, if I didn't get sent off, I’m sure we could get the 3 points.. Congratulations to the team for today's game! Those 3 points can be put on my account!!!"

    IG:@neymarjr

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Neymar also claimed that he was wrongfully shown his first yellow card, thereby indicating that his sending off could have been avoided, as he added: "Note: second yellow has to be given, but the first one is the judge's drainage, I made a mistake and I'm already taking yellow… What a bad judge. That's just my opinion…please don't punish me anymore."

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Santos will be back in action in the Brazilian top division on June 13 as they take on Fortaleza away from home – but they will be without the suspended Neymar.

Man Utd can't string two wins together! Red Devils' misery laid bare with unbelievable statistics after Ruben Amorim's men lose to Chelsea

Manchester United will end the 2024-25 campaign without winning two Premier League matches in a row for the first time in history.

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  • Man Utd make unwanted history
  • Beaten 1-0 by Chelsea
  • United remained winless in eight league matches
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    United's winless run in the Premier League extended to eight matches on Sunday, when they lost 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Marc Cucurella scored the only goal of the game in the 71st minute as Ruben Amorim's side suffered their 18th league defeat in the 2024-25 campaign.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    With the loss, the Red Devils also made unwanted history as for the first time, the club will end a season without stringing two wins in a row together in the Premier League. This is also the first time that United have gone through eight straight league matches without a win.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    While United's misery continued, this was a much-needed victory for Enzo Maresca's Blues, who are pushing for a top-five finish which will secure a Champions League slot for next season.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

    Amorim's side will now aim to end what has been a nightmare season with a trophy as they are all set to face Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21.

Ruben Amorim, you legend! Man Utd boss pays for 30 members of backroom staff's families to go to Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao

Ruben Amorim will pay out of his own pocket for 30 members of his background staff and their families to attend the Europa League final.

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United won't provide free tickets to staffAmorim offers to pay for support team and familiesRed Devils face Tottenham in next week's finalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United's coaches, physios and support team were told they would have to pay for their own tickets for the clash in Bilbao, but reports that the manager has pledged to pay for his team and their families to attend the game to reward their contribution to the campaign. The report says the Portuguese told the club he would cover the costs so that each member, including low-paid staff, could take up to two guests.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It was revealed this week that United will not offer free tickets to the final to staff and will instead offer a screening of the match along with two free drinks. United and Tottenham have been allocated 15,000 match tickets each, but Spurs will offer one free ticket to all of their 700 employees.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Red Devils have also opted against holding a bus parade of Manchester if they win the clash with their Premier League rivals and are reportedly set to host a barbecue instead.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Amorim's men take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Friday while Tottenham face Aston Villa on the same evening before the pair travel to Bilbao for the final on May 21.

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