A fresh wave of player valuations has been released by Transfermarkt, impacting 170 Major League Soccer players. The spotlight falls on Inter Miami’s recent signing Rodrigo De Paul, whose market value has dropped significantly, while Seattle Sounders' midfield sensation Obed Vargas enjoys a promising boost amid growing European interest.

De Paul’s Market Value Slips Despite High-Profile Move

Rodrigo De Paul’s journey to Inter Miami from Atlético Madrid caused a stir this summer—but that move has resulted in a noticeable decline in his Transfermarkt market value. Previously valued at €25 million, the Argentine maestro is now priced at €20 million. The dip reflects his move from LaLiga to MLS, a league still considered weaker in terms of competition hierarchy. Even with the drop, De Paul remains tied for the most valuable player in the league alongside Riqui Puig and newcomer Heung-Min Son.

Obed Vargas: The Rising Star of Seattle

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Obed Vargas, the 20-year-old midfield dynamo for the Seattle Sounders. His market value has climbed from €6 million to €8 million—a testament to his growing influence. With scouts and clubs already circling, it’s reported that Tigres attempted to sign Vargas for around $10 million, but Seattle turned down the offer. European destinations, particularly in Germany’s Bundesliga, are now monitoring him closely, much to the intrigue of fans and pundits alike.

Other Notable Market Value Changes

Sam Surridge (Nashville SC): The striker has seen his value rise from €5 million to €7 million, thanks to a surge in goals that sees him leading the MLS scoring charts.

Wessam Abou Ali (Columbus Crew), Djordje Mihailović (Toronto FC): Both players have benefited from their performance and summer transfer activity, with values rising to €6 million and €6.5 million, respectively.

Brandon Vázquez and Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy): Facing form struggles and injury, their valuations fell—Vázquez due to limited impact and an ACL injury; Paintsil as Galaxy slumped near the bottom of the Western Conference.

What Shapes These Market Movements?

Transfermarkt’s biannual valuation refresh considers multiple factors:

League reputation and visibility: Players moving from globally recognized leagues, like LaLiga, may see valuation adjustments when transitioning to MLS.

On-field performance and consistency: Reliability and standout seasons boost value, as seen with Surridge and Vargas.

Transfer rumours, bids, or confirmed moves: Interest from other leagues pushes values upward. A declined bid, like the one for Vargas, signals high standing in the market.

Market movements hint at an evolving MLS—one increasingly respected on technical and developmental grounds. Still, players like De Paul remind us that league strength perceptions and strategic career trajectory play pivotal roles in valuation. Meanwhile, rising stars such as Obed Vargas signal bright futures, as MLS becomes an increasingly fertile ground for European scouts.