Today the MLS transfer window opened, and Atlanta United’s roster is in need of some reinforcements, to say the least. So this is my ranked list of the five most important positions to sign players in in this transfer window:
1. Center Midfielder
A high-level central midfielder has really been a need for the Five Stripes since Darlington Nagbe left prior to the 2020 season. Emerson Hyndman seemed like he was going to be the guy put up to replace Nagbe, but through injuries he found himself not getting minutes and constantly unable to play. Matheus Rossetto looked like a good replacement for a minute in 2021, but has shown himself to be a pretty average midfielder, which isn’t bad aside from being so expensive, he can be a depth piece, it’s just not what is needed. I am personally a big Marcie Moreno truther and I think he could’ve been really good in the role but it seems like it wasn’t meant to be. It’s become something that can’t be ignored any longer, and, especially with a weak midfield limiting Thiago Almada (yes he’s put up 17 g/a in 18 games, but he’s carrying a ton of the weight in the midfield). With the departure of Luiz Araujo, a DP spot has been freed up and between it being what most supporters would think is logical and Garth’s comments at Atlanta and his actions at Seattle, it looks like the midfielder will be a designated player, which gives the front office a ton of freedom with fees and salaries to sign a truly elite player.
2. Left Back
After Andrew Gutman got traded to Colorado, 18 year old Caleb Wiley became the only left back on the roster. I don’t mind Aiden McFadden or Ronald Hernandez as depth, but two 2nd/3rd choice level right backs being depended on if A) anything happens to Wiley or B) Wiley is normal and can’t entirely carry the left back position, especially at 18 isn’t ideal. A lot of people have been advocating for Wiley to be the full time starter, which I don’t mind, but a starting level left-back is needed either way. Wiley is currently Atlanta’s best option as a left winger as well, and, if starting at left back, would be the clear option to play left wing if Derrick Etienne goes down. If you get a starting level left back, you give Wiley more freedom and allow for more depth, as well as not putting the entire burden of the left back position on an 18 year old. It’s not illegal to have depth, and with no left back brought in you don’t have much in both the left back and left winger spot…
3. Defensive Midfielder
I think Santiago Sosa is on his way out, Ozzie Alonso is 37 and coming off of an ACL tear, Ajani Fortune has shown flashes but is young and can’t be depended on, and Ibarra has missed time. Depth is needed here. It looks like a deal is being finalized for Tristan Muyumba from EA Guingamp, which I think is perfect. It looks like this spot is already being worked out, and I don’t think I need to write a ton here.
4. Backup Striker
Giorgos Giakoumakis has been unbelievable when healthy, but has missed a good bit and just had an injury scare. Miguel Berry has just one goal in 751 minutes as a backup, which is just not good enough. Last year Dom Dwyer looked like a good option on the bench, but other than him, there hasn’t been a good backup striker at this club in a long time. Especially if Pineda wants to keep on playing a 3-5-2, in which this player could start, a high level backup who can score is very important. Machop Chol has featured a bit here, and I don’t mind him, but he’s also got one goal, though in 385 minutes. He’d be a good 3rd option, but he’s not enough as the second option, especially if Giakoumakis’ injury issues persist.
5. Right Winger
Luiz Araujo is gone, and Tyler Wolff has mostly taken up the mantle. I really don’t mind this, honestly, but a better right winger to compete with Wolff for minutes couldn’t hurt. I am adamant that too many resources aren’t used here, however. The wingers the Five Stripes have brought in under Pineda have all either stagnated or badly regressed in terms of production, and I don’t think it’s worth it to expend too much here in a position Pineda’s not had a ton of success managing with players brought in. If anything, add depth or somebody to compete with Tyler Wolff for minutes.
In the end, Atlanta’s squad should look something like this should all of this happen:
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