Atlanta United’s Saba Lobjanidze called up by Georgia for European Championships

Atlanta United’s summer is becoming more interesting.

On Wednesday, winger Saba Lobjanidze was called to Georgia’s team for the coming European Championships. The tournament is scheduled to start June 14, with the championship scheduled for July 14. Georgia is in a group with Portugal, Czech Republic and Turkey. Georgia is scheduled to play Turkey on June 18, Czech Republic on June 22 and Portugal on June 26.

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Poland hasn’t announced its team, but Atlanta United midfielder Bartosz Slisz likely will be called up for the tournament. He started on the team that qualified for the tournament. Poland is in a group with Netherlands, France and Austria. Poland is scheduled to play Netherlands on June 16, Austria on June 21 and France on June 25.

Attacking midfielder Thiago Almada wasn’t included in Argentina’s team for friendlies before the Copa America, which will start with the World Cup champs playing Canada on June 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making it unlikely that he will be on the team’s roster for the tournament. However, he likely will be named to its team for the Olympics in Paris. He captained the team that qualified for the Olympics. Men’s soccer in the Paris Games is scheduled to start July 24, and the gold-medal match is scheduled to be played Aug. 9.

Atlanta United is scheduled to play seven matches from June 14-July 14, when the Euros are scheduled to be played, and at least two Leagues Cup matches during the Olympics.

Additionally, the club has rejected several bids from Cruz Azul in Mexico for striker Giorgos Giakoumakis. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Cruz Azul was going to make an offer Wednesday. It hasn’t yet been received. Atlanta United declined to comment, citing its policy of not commenting on transfer reports. The transfer window for LIGA MX opens June 24. Atlanta United paid a reported fee of $4.3 million for Giakoumakis. He has an annual salary of $2.25 million, according to MLSPA.

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Atlanta United’s 2024 schedule

Feb. 24 Columbus 1, Atlanta United 0

March 9 Atlanta United 4, New England 1

March 17 Atlanta United 2, Orlando 0

March 23 Toronto 2, Atlanta United 0

March 31 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 0

April 6 Atlanta United 1, NYCFC 1

April 14 Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 2

April 20 Cincinnati 2, Atlanta United 1

April 27 Atlanta United 1, Chicago 1

May 4 Minnesota 2, Atlanta United 1

May 7 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte Independence 0 in U.S. Open Cup