Three Players That Atlanta United Should Sign This Offseason
It has been a relatively quiet transfer window for Atlanta United. While the departures of Alec Kann, Mo Adams, and Erik “Cubo” Torres will not significantly impact the five stripes' chances of success, the loss of Anton Walkes to expansion side Charlotte FC will definitely hurt. Additionally, Ezequiel Barco looks to be on his way out, so Atlanta will also have a designated player spot open for the upcoming season. While recent signings like Bobby Shuttleworth and Osvaldo Alonso will come in handy, Atlanta is still lacking a signing that would make headlines around the league. Here are three signings that could turn Atlanta United into MLS Cup contenders.
1. Thiago Almada
As reports suggest, Thiago Almeda would be an attractive attacking signing for Atlanta United heading into the 2022 season. Almada usually operates as an attacking midfielder, but he can also play on the wings. In 100 appearances for his current club, Velez Sarsfield, Almada has scored twenty-four goals and provided eleven assists.
The Alameda transfer looked to be a done deal, especially after Almada’s current club announced that they had agreed to sell him to Atlanta. However, Atlanta denied these rumors and there hasn’t been much noise since, likely because Atlanta still needs to get rid of Ezequiel Barco. The sale of Barco would open up a designated player spot, which Almada would then be able to use. According to Cesar Luis Merlo, Internacional of Brazil has made a loan offer for Barco with an option to buy, but Atlanta are waiting to see if other offers arrive. Once Barco is sold, the Almada transfer will likely be announced, confirming a deal that could turn Atlanta United into one of the top teams in the league.
2. Will Bruin
Will Bruin is another possible attacking option for the five stripes, especially since he is currently a free agent and is familiar with Atlanta manager Gonzalo Pineda. Over the course of five seasons with the Seattle Sounders, several of which were with Pineda as an Assistant Coach, Bruin scored 27 goals and had 15 assists in 126 appearances. Atlanta has reportedly already submitted an offer to Bruin.
After letting go of Erik “Cubo” Torres, Atlanta’s only striking options are Josef Martinez and Jackson Conway. Conway is still young and needs time to develop, while Martinez hasn't quite returned to form after suffering a brutal ACL injury in 2020. Bruin would provide Atlanta with an experienced forward and a proven goal scorer, which could provide cover for Martinez.
3. Yamil Asad
Having been released by DC United this off-season, Yamil Asad could make his return to Atlanta for the 2022 season. After a successful 2017 loan spell, Atlanta were unsuccessful in permanently signing Asad, so a return to the five stripes would likely excite Atlanta United fans. During his time with Atlanta, Asad provided Atlanta fans with many memorable moments, including the club’s first-ever goal during their inaugural season.
Signing Asad seems like a no-brainer. Asad is familiar with the club, has MLS experience and, at the age of 27, is still in his prime. Asad is the kind of free agent signing that could provide Atlanta with some much-needed depth on the wings this season.
