MLS has some interesting, convoluted, and ever changing rules and regulations regarding home grown players
https://www.mlssoccer.com/league/official-rules/mls-roster-rules-and-regulations
This is older guide by has the concept down:
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2015/...-player-rule-major-league-soccer-visual-guide
There is a new twist just recently:
"Multiple league sources tell me MLS is set to approve a new rule this offseason that will allow teams to keep 100 percent of transfer fees for Homegrown Players. This incentivizes league owners to invest more in player development, and rewards the teams that do so successfully. Currently, MLS receives 25 percent of any Homegrown transfer"
http://soccer.nbcsports.com/2017/11/08/report-mls-to-change-how-clubs-profit-from-transfers/
"When stories come out that have Atlanta United turning down $30 million in transfer fees for two players, it’s clear that something is quite backwards. And the way Carlos Bocanegra and Darren Eales have been running ATL, that money could bring in some massive talent."
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/20...-major-impact-on-the-future-of-atlanta-united
If you kid plays for a MLS club in the DA there are somethings you might want to consider, the club now has your homegrown rights so your options could be somewhat limited in MLS if you want to sign as homegrown to any other MLS club or what to come back to the MLS at some point.
Paul Arriola's move to D.C. United a case study in MLS transfer rules
http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-...-dc-united-a-case-study-in-mls-transfer-rules
"What's also giving many pause is the $500,000 in allocation money DCU sent to the Galaxy. A player qualifies as a Homegrown Player if he's been with the club's academy for at least one year. Arriola spent a mere seven-and-a-half months with the Galaxy, and played in just 11 matches. But apparently there is another mechanism triggering Homegrown status. An MLS spokesperson confirmed that by virtue of LA offering Arriola a contract prior to his signing with Club Tijuana, the Galaxy obtained right of first refusal should he ever opt to try and sign a contract with an MLS club"
Arriola acutally played academy with Arsenal for longer than the Galaxy but they scopped him up, retrained his rights, and make a cool 500K in the process even though all they did is offer him a contact which he did'nt sign.