After a heartbreaking loss in the MLS Cup quarterfinals against arch-rivals Orlando City FC, Atlanta United has re-tooled and now looks to once again return to the top of the MLS hierarchy. While the heights of their 2018 MLS Cup success seem far away in the hearts and minds of supporters, players, and managers alike, there is a strong belief and sense of hope surrounding the club that it can reach the promised land once again. With a consistent core, flashy new signings, and the return of a club legend, the sky’s the limit for the 5 stripes in 2025.
Despite a slow start to 2024, the 17s finished the season strong, sneaking into the wild card round on the final day. Then, in the Wild Card Atlanta defeated Montreal in penalties. Then, in the next round, they took on the Eastern Conference number 1 seed in Inter Miami. Led by the greatest player of all time Lionel Messi, and the best striker of our generation in Luis Suarez. Despite the tough task, the underdog Atlanta defeated Miami in 3 very close games, winning game three on the road in a hostile environment. Next, Atlanta traveled up the road to Orlando for a one-game elimination battle, where their Cinderella run finally ended. “Those Miami games are some of the most exciting moments I’ve ever seen since becoming a fan,” said senior Sergio De La Cruz, “we have so much potential next year and I can’t wait to return to the Benz in 2025.”
While the core of Atlanta’s roster remains the same, the front office has made some big-time moves with some big-time names. In the offseason, the club hired manager Ronny Deila. The Norwegian won an MLS cup with New York City FC in 2021 along with 2 Scottish league titles with Scottish superpowers Celtic in 2015 and 2016. The club also appointed Chris Henderson, who has experience in the front offices of Miami and Seattle, as Chief Soccer Officer. Talisman Giorgos Giakoumakis left halfway through 2024 for Mexican club Cruz Azul for $10 million. Argentine wonder-kid Thiago Almada left for Botafogo in Brazil for around $20 million, the second highest fee in club and MLS history, and star 19-year-old Caleb Wiley left to join English giants Chelsea for another $10 million. “I loved Almada but everyone knew he was going to leave. I just hope we can find someone to replace him,” said Sophomore Ethan Whittenton.
With the funds from these departures, Atlanta has reloaded, especially along the front line. Wingback Pedro Amador and Attacking Midfielder Alexy Miranchuk were signed halfway through the 2024 campaign and found immediate success. Miranchuk was especially valuable and looks to be one of the best players in the MLS this season. In the January 2025 transfer window, the club solidified the midfield with veteran Mateusz Klich from DC United and made multiple big-money signings in the attack. They signed club legend Miguel Almiron, who was vital in Atlanta’s 2018 MLS cup victory, and returns from Newcastle United for a 9 million dollar fee. Then finally, to replace Giakoumakis, the club signed 26-year-old Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough for a club-record 22 million dollar transfer fee. “I can’t wait to watch Almiron again,” said senior Carlos Alarcon, “he was so special here and he was easily my favorite player.”
These new signings and appointments point towards the beginning of a new and exciting era of five stripes football. With an experienced manager and big-money signings supplemented by a wealth of homegrown talent, there is a true belief that the club can return to the top of the MLS hierarchy and reclaim its rightful place as MLS Cup Champions.
