MLS market values: MVP Hany Mukhtar up by 50% – Lorenzo Insigne drops again

All players updated 

The 2022 Major League Soccer season saw its spectacular conclusion on Saturday, with LAFC beating the Philadelphia Union at home 6-3 after penalties (3-3 after 120 minutes). Now just 72 hours later, Transfermarkt has completely updated the market values of every MLS player, and there was some significant movement at the top as four players now share first place. 

First to the winners. New York City FC’s Brazilian playmaker Talles Magno and Austin FC forward Sebastián Driussi saw their market values updated by 50% from €10 million to €15m each. In Magno’s case, the upgrade is a direct response to the Brazilian’s fantastic development since arriving from relegated Vasco da Gama in 2021. The Brazilian needed half a season to adapt to the at-times taxing schedule in MLS, but with seven goals and eight assists in 34 games has become a key player for NYFC, and it will be only a matter of time before the City Group cash in on their asset. 

Driussi, in the meantime, has resurrected his career in MLS. Signed for around €6.4m from Zenit, Driussi was the key player for Austin’s run to the Western Conference finals, where they were eliminated by eventual champions LAFC. “Ever since he joined Austin, Driussi has fulfilled all the parameters of a Designated Player,” Transfermarkt Data Administrator Dominic Becker said. “22 goals speak a clear language, and aged 26; he is at a perfect age and a player who is interesting for the European market.”

MLS update: MVP Mukhtar and World Cup-bound Cifuentes with personal bests

Just behind the top four is league MVP Hany Mukhtar. The Nashville SC playmaker had another sensational season scoring 26 goals and eight assists in 37 games across all competitions. Mukhtar’s scoring rate is even more impressive when one considers that he is not a striker but plays right behind the attacking line. 

“Mukhtar set the benchmark in the league this season,” Becker said. “The winner of the Golden Boot and MVP Award underlines that he has made a big step forward. In current form, he would also have been a great option for the German national team.” Consequentially, Mukhtar sees his market value increase by 50% to now €12m. The update comes as Mukhtar has highlighted that he can still play in a top league in Europe, but with his contract recently renewed, the fee would be significant. 

Going to the World Cup will be LAFC star, José Cifuentes. The Ecuadorian midfielder was a big cornerstone in LAFC’s MLS Cup-winning campaign. Already in the focus of many top European clubs, Cifuentes will want to use the World Cup to increase his chances of making a big money transfer to one of Europe’s top 5 leagues. 

MLS market values: Koné, Aaronson, and Durán up – Insigne and Martínez drop 

One young North American to watch ahead of the World Cup is Canadian Ismaël Koné. The 20-year-old has already been heavily linked with a move to Europe last summer. The midfielder has since played an immense campaign with CF Montréal reaching the second round of the playoffs, where they were eliminated by NYCFC. Koné’s market value went up by 33.3% from €4.5m to €6m—certainly, just a screenshot, as his market value will surely continue to rise. 

Another young player heavily linked with a move to Europe is Jhon Durán from the Chicago Fire. Liverpool and Chelsea are watching the Colombian forward, and Frankfurt are also interested. Chicago are set to ask for a significant fee that could reach eight figures once bonuses are included. As a result, Durán’s market value has been increased by 200% from €2m to €6m.

Meanwhile, Paxten Aaronson, brother of Leeds star Brenden Aaronson is headed to Germany. As first reported by Transfermarkt, Frankfurt have signed the midfielder. The fee is expected to be €4m plus add-ons, and, as a result, Aaronson’s market value increases from €3m to €4.5m.

Finally, there have also been some downgrades. First and foremost, Lorenzo Insigne saw his market value drop by 25% to €15m. “Despite being involved in eight goals in 11 games—a tremendous goalscoring rate—there has to be an age-related downgrade,” Becker said. “Insigne will turn 32 next season, and because he is under contract until 2026 will not generate a significant transfer fee.” 

Another star with a significant downgrade is Josef Martínez. The Venezuelan has been in constant battle with decision-makers at Atlanta United and will not return to the club next season. His market value dropped by 37.5% to now just €5m, and it will be interesting to see what his future holds. 

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