Atlanta United was expected to make plenty of moves the winter leading up to the 2025 season, and the club delivered. Two designated player signings, a new head coaching hire plus a few players re-signed has created a buzz around the club as we head into the first matchweek of the year.
As we count down the days until Saturday's home opener, here's a recap of the club's incoming/outgoing transfers and the new front office additions you'll want to know:
INBOUND: Miguel Almirón
In one of the most joyful homecomings in recent memory, Atlanta United brought back Miguel Almirón, a key member of the inaugural season in 2017 and historic championship run to the MLS Cup in 2018.
Miggy returns after six seasons in the English Premier League with Newcastle United. Not only will he bring speed, versatility, and experience, he'll be a designated player and valuable voice in 2025. His return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 22 will certainly be a fervent welcome.
- Welcome home, Miggy | Read More
- Miggy's surprise welcome at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport | Check it out
- The story of Chris Henderson and Garth Lagerwey's years-long pursuit of Miggy | Read More
INBOUND: Strikers
Atlanta United president & CEO Garth Lagerwey said at his end-of-year press conference that the front office would look to add an attacker in the offseason. They did that -- times three.
The first was Jamal Thiaré, who re-signed with Atlanta United through 2025 with an option for 2026. Thiaré finished his first full season for Atlanta in 2024 and scored eight goals across all competitions, including a brace in the legendary upset over Inter Miami CF in Game 3 of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Striker No. 2 was announced on January 8 -- Cayman Togashi, the club's first-ever player from Japan. Togashi brings over 10 years of professional experience, and he notably scored a looping header in the team's preseason match in Birmingham.
But the headliner at this position was the most recent addition Emmanuel Latte Lath, the Ivory Coast native who came from Middlesbrough FC of the English Football League Championship. Latte Lath was acquired at an MLS-record transfer fee and fills in Atlanta United's last available designated player spot.
Latte Lath, who appeared in the finale against FC Dallas, is a goal-scoring machine. And he's fast. His first minutes during preseason play already made a good impression. He's easily a player to watch.
INBOUND: A new head coach
One of the biggest questions going into the offseason was the head coach, and the Atlanta United job was widely considered one of the most attractive openings. Atlanta United finalized the decision just before the holiday break, announcing Norwegian manager Ronny Deila the club's next head coach.
Deila enters his first season in Atlanta a proven winner. In his 17 years of experience as a head coach, Deila has won six trophies. When he steps into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 22, it will be a familiar setting. Deila previously coached in MLS with New York City FC, where he won the MLS Cup in 2021.
- By the numbers: Ronny Deila's managerial career and history of lifting trophies | Read More
- Ronny Deila 'excited and proud' to join Atlanta United as head coach | Read More
- Get to know Ronny Deila in his first interview | Here's 17 Questions we asked Deila
INBOUND: Chris Henderson
One of the most decorated executives in MLS history filled the first of two major openings on Atlanta's leadership team. Chris Henderson, named Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director, partnered with Lagerwey previously at Seattle Sounders. In Seattle, Henderson helped build a team that made the playoffs 12 consecutive times.
Once he arrived to Atlanta, Henderson got to work immediately, collaborating with the front office and technical side to sign many of the players listed above, including the two designated players. Henderson wants to raise the standard at Atlanta United even higher and put the club on the track of consistently winning and competing for championships.
INBOUND: Mateusz Klich
The first major acquisition of the offseason arrived via trade from D.C. United. Mateusz Klich is an experienced midfielder, having spent two seasons in MLS after a distinguished career in Europe. The Polish native has brought stability to the midfield this preseason and already has shown good chemistry with teammates.
STAYING PUT: Ronald Hernández
Along with Thiaré, Atlanta United brought back another player on a new contract. Ronald Hernández, the fullback from Venezuela, re-signed with the club on December 13. Hernández has been with the club since 2021 when he first joined on loan from Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership. During four seasons in Atlanta, the defender has made 63 appearances across all competitions. His experience and durability has proven valuable this preseason with fullbacks Brooks Lennon and Pedro Amador sidelined with injuries.
- RE-SIGNED: through the 2025 season with an option for 2026
OUTBOUND: Tyler Wolff
Atlanta United saw action during the MLS half-day trade window on December 9. The club sent midfielder Tyler Wolff to Real Salt Lake in echange for general allocation money. Wolff has been a familiar face to the club, rising up as a Homegrown. He joined the Atlanta United Academy prior to the 2019-20 season, then developed into a first team player and signed a Homegrown contract in 2020.
- TRANSFERRED to Real Salt Lake for $50,000 in General Allocation Money | Read More
OUTBOUND: Santiago Sosa
On loan with Racing Club of the Argentine Primera Division for the 2024 season, Atlanta United sent Sosa to the same club on a permanent transfer on December 6. The defensive midfielder made 70 appearances in all competitions for Atlanta United. He recorded one goal and one assist in his three seasons.
- TRANSFERRED to Racing Club or Argentine Primera Division | MORE DETAILS
