Jake Mulraney traded to Orlando for money, bonuses

Atlanta United traded Jake Mulraney on Thursday to Orlando for $200,000 in General Allocation Money, plus an additional $75,000 in bonuses. The team will receive $100,000 this season and $100,000 in 2023. The bonus money, if secured, would apply to 2023.

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Mulraney, acquired from Hearts in Scotland before the 2020 season, had three goals and four assists in 47 appearances.

Mulraney was considered a depth piece on the wing because of the presence of Luiz Araujo, Marcelino Moreno and Thiago Almada.

“Jake has been a great teammate and positive influence around the club and community since he joined the club in 2020,” Atlanta United Vice President Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement from the club. “When called upon, he’s been a reliable player, and we want to thank him for his contributions to the club and wish him the best of luck in his future.”

Manager Gonzalo Pineda said Mulraney was traded to create some flexibility for the next transfer window, which opens July 7. Pineda said Mulraney didn’t ask to be traded to try to secure more playing time somewhere else.

“I think we were very happy with Jake; he was always reliable,” Pineda said. “Good teammate. Good, good guy.”

Mulraney often was used as a sub off the bench to try to spark the offense with his speed. Pineda said Caleb Wiley, who has returned from injury, or Machop Chol, who soon will return from an injury sustained in the preseason, could be the next players to try that role on the left, with Brooks Lennon or Ronaldo Cisneros, who played as a winger for Chivas, on the right.

“We feel like we are comfortable in that position,” Pineda said.

Teammate Matheus Rossetto said the trade surprised the players, but he wishes Mulraney luck at his new club. Atlanta United will host Orlando on July 17.

Atlanta United will host Chicago on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The club said it will receive a percentage of a transfer fee if Orlando sells Mulraney outside of the league. Atlanta United and Orlando each will pay a portion of his 2022 budget charge. Mulraney had a salary of $312,777 in 2021, according to the MLSPA.

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Atlanta United’s 2022 MLS schedule

Feb. 27 Atlanta United 3, Sporting KC 1

March 5 Colorado 3, Atlanta United 0

March 13 Atlanta United 2, Charlotte 1

March 19 Atlanta United 3, Montreal 3

April 2 Atlanta United 1, D.C. United 0

April 10 Charlotte 1, Atlanta United 0

April 16 Atlanta United 0, Cincinnati 0

April 24 Miami 2, Atlanta United 1

April 30 Montreal 2, Atlanta United 1

May 7 vs. Chicago, 6 p.m., BSSO/BSSE

May 15 vs. New England, 1:30 p.m., ESPN