Atlanta United completes transfer for MLS-record fee

Atlanta United fans react during the second half in a MLS soccer match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Atlanta. Los Angeles FC won 1-0 over Atlanta United. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

By Doug Roberson

Updated Feb 3, 2025

Atlanta United completed the transfer of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath on Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, positioning its attack to be one of the best in MLS.

Latte Lath will be the team’s third Designated Player, joining winger Miguel Almiron (who was signed last week) and attacking midfielder Alexey Miranchuk. Winger Saba Lobjanidze is a former DP.

Atlanta United declined to comment.

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Atlanta United agreed to pay Middlesbrough an MLS-record fee of $22 million. It broke the record of $15.8 million set a few weeks ago by Cincinnati for Kevin Denkey.

Latte Lath, 26, has 104 goals in 299 appearances for several clubs. He scored 29 goals in 67 appearances for Middlesbrough, which plays in England’s Championship (second) division.

Latte Lath joined Middlesbrough after spending several seasons with several loans out at Atalanta in Italy. It’s the same club where Miranchuk previously played. Latte Lath scored 14 goals in 41 appearances for Atalanta.

Atlanta United still working on improving roster

With Latte Lath’s fee, Atlanta United has spent $50 million on its presumed attacking four players. The team hasn’t won a trophy since 2019. It hasn’t played for a trophy since then, either.

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