Atlanta United close to trading for Atlanta native

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson (25) grabs a ball in the second half of their game against the Montreal Impact at Toyota Park. Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson (25) grabs a ball in the second half of their game against the Montreal Impact at Toyota Park. Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta United is reportedly close to completing a trade with Chicago for goalkeeper and Atlanta native Sean Johnson.

MLSSoccer.com reported the trade, citing, but not naming, multiple sources.

Atlanta United declined to comment. A voicemail and text for Johnson haven’t been returned.

Johnson, 27, has appeared in 176 games with 36 shutouts for the Fire. Though the team has often struggled, Johnson is 58-63-55 with the club. Of goalkeepers that made more than 20 appearances last season, Johnson was rated 13th highest by the website whoscored.com.

MLSSoccer.com reported that Atlanta United will send general allocation money to the Fire. The trade could be announced when the window opens on Dec. 11. Johnson had a base salary of $250,000 and $253,000 in guaranteed compensation for the 2016 season, according the MLS Players Union database.

Johnson grew up in Lilburn and played two seasons for UCF before being selected in the fourth round of the 2010 SuperDraft.

He has played at different levels for U.S. national youth teams, and had made five appearances for the senior team.

If the trade is completed, Johnson will become the second goalkeeper signed by Atlanta United. Alex Tambakis was the first, and also the club’s first announced signing.

Other players signed by Atlanta United include: midfielders Hector Villalba, Junior Burgos, Andrew Carleton, Chris Goslin and Chris McCann, and forwards Kenwyne Jones and Jeffrey Otoo. The club is expected to complete a trade with Philadelphia for midfielder Kevin Kratz when the window opens on Dec. 11. Carleton and Goslin are also Atlanta natives.