Atlanta United and fullback Brooks Lennon agreed to a contract extension through the 2025 season, which was announced by the MLS club Wednesday. The club holds an option for 2026.
The team held an option on Lennon’s contract for next season. It is the first offseason move announced by the club. Financial terms weren’t disclosed. The league has set a Monday deadline for teams to announce end-of-season roster moves.
Lennon, 25, appeared in 25 games last season and contributed a career-high seven assists with two goals. He has made 80 appearances in league games since he was acquired from Real Salt Lake before the 2020 season. He has made 166 appearances, with seven goals and 26 assists, in his league career.
His contract was modified when he was acquired from Real Salt Lake. He had guaranteed compensation of $500,000 last season, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association database.
He said the two sides began discussing a contract extension during the last half of the most recent season. Despite not making the playoffs in two of the past three years, Lennon said he didn’t want to go to any other club.
“In my opinion, it’s one of the top teams in MLS, top organization,” he said. “They always strive to be successful, and that’s somewhere where I want to be.”
Lennon, who also can play as a wing or wingback, has produced 133 key passes in the past two seasons. He finished second with 69 in that category to Thiago Almada on Atlanta United last season and 11th in MLS, second most among defenders in the league. He also completed the second-most crosses (76) in the league.
“We are pleased to sign Brooks to a long-term contract with our club,” Vice President Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement provided by the club. “Brooks has been one of the most consistent performers over the past few seasons. He’s coming into the prime of his career and provides great MLS experience for our group. He consistently gets into dangerous positions on the field and creates chances for us, and we’re excited for his future at Atlanta United.”
Lennon said that manager Gonzalo Pineda told him during his end-of-season exit interview that he loves his consistency, and he wants him to become more of a leader. Lennon said his goal is to be considered for the club’s captaincy.
“I know I can do that,” Lennon said. “I know I can set the standard through my performances and through my actions and, by doing that, I can start leading by example, and then you can hold people accountable to the standards that we set for ourselves.”
Another of Lennon’s goals is to be invited to the U.S. men’s camp in January. He has made one appearance for the team.
“That’s a cycle that I want to be a part of,” he said. “I want to be in every camp. I want to play in the qualifying games and go to the 2026 World Cup. So come January, that’s my No. 1 goal, is to get into the U.S. team and solidify my place on that roster.”
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