Atlanta United, working to steady a shaky defense, announced the signing of centerback Enea Mihaj on Wednesday.
Mihaj, 26 years old, is an Albanian international with 215 club appearances, most at Famalicao in Portugal’s first division. He has 19 appearances with Albania.
Mihaj was signed on a free transfer and will be a targeted allocation money player. The contract is through 2028, with an option for ‘29.
Mihaj is expected to join Atlanta United next week and be eligible to play after the transfer window opens July 24.
“He’s a physical centerback and a vocal leader with experience from multiple leagues in Europe,” Atlanta United Soccer Director Chris Henderson said in a statement from the club. “We expect him to play an important role and add competition to our back line.”
Because of injuries and mental mistakes, Atlanta United’s defense has been a wreck this season.
The group has allowed 37 goals, tied for third-most in MLS, in 19 matches.
Injuries are a reason why.
The preferred first-choice quartet of centerbacks Derrick Williams and Stian Gregersen and fullbacks Brooks Lennon and Pedro Amador, have started together in only one match.
Manager Ronny Deila has been forced to use seven players at centerback alone because of injuries.
Currently, Gregersen (quadriceps) and Williams (foot) are out again. Both could be seen running with trainers at Monday’s training session.
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Atlanta United’s 2025 schedule
Feb. 22 Atlanta United 3, Montreal 2
March 1 Charlotte 2, Atlanta United 0
March 8 Atlanta United 0, New York Red Bulls 0
March 16 Miami 2, Atlanta United 1
March 22 Atlanta United 2, Cincinnati 2
March 29 Atlanta United 4, NYCFC 3
April 5 Atlanta United 1, Dallas 1
April 12 New England 1, Atlanta United 0
April 19 Philadelphia 3, Atlanta United 0
April 26 Orlando 3, Atlanta United 0
May 3 Atlanta United 1, Nashville 1
May 10 Chicago 2, Atlanta United 1
May 14 Atlanta United 1, Austin 1
May 17 Philadelphia 1, Atlanta United 0
May 25 Atlanta United 4, Cincinnati 2
May 28 Atlanta United 3, Orlando 2
May 31 Red Bulls 2, Atlanta United 0
June 12 NYCFC 4, Atlanta United 0
June 25 Columbus 3, Atlanta United 1
June 28 at Miami, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 5 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 12 at Toronto, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 16 vs. Chicago, 7:30 p.m., Apple, FS1
July 19 vs. Charlotte, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 26 vs. Seattle, 7:30 p.m., Apple
July 30 vs. Necaxa, Leagues Cup
Aug. 2. vs. Pumas in Orlando, Leagues Cup
Aug. 6 vs. Atlas, Leagues Cup
Aug. 9 at Montreal, 7:30 p.m., Apple
Aug. 16 at Colorado, 9:30 p.m., Apple
Aug. 24 vs. Toronto, 5 p.m., Apple
Aug. 30 at Nashville, 8:30 p.m. Apple
Sept. 13 vs. Columbus, 7:30 p.m., Apple
Sept. 20 vs. San Diego, 4:30 p.m., Apple
Sept. 27 at New England, 7:30 p.m., Apple
Oct. 5 at LAFC, 10:30 p.m., Apple
Oct. 18 vs. D.C. United, 6 p.m., Apple
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