So, this week Atlanta announced the signing of a pair of central defenders. Paulo Diaz is a 31 yo Peruvian international who's spent the past 7 seasons with River Plate. Only 5'-10" but is considered a strong defender and above average with the ball. At least one online pundit (FWIW) implied shades of LGP. Junior Alonso is a 33 yo Paraguay international with a journeyman's resume but with some decent stops in Atletico Mineiro, Lille, and Boca Juniors. He's taller (6'-1"), a bit slower, but seems to be putting his experience to some use as he was part of Paraguay's World Cup run. No, neither of these guys is expected to be transformative. They're here because they're a) warm bodies, b) both available for free transfers and likely low wages, and c) willing to offer at least some poise at the back while giving the staff time to plot the remainder of the rebuild ahead for '27. Pending full fitness, they also both should better complement Tata's preferred styles for passing play and transition to attack. So, Atlanta has more defenders in its ranks for the second half (albeit, unlikely for Friday night) but is certainly still searching for a first choice central defender for '27. So, there ya go. It's something.
I think we have to get the D-mid settled. Muyumba is playing out of position, and we have two older center backs. We will need someone to support them. Also, Latte was playing wing in the friendly against KC. Might be a good fit for the time being especially if part of the problem is mental. I hope Almiron can continue his world cup knock out round performance. (and not the group stage performance.)
I'll withhold judgment on any new signings, but it's not promising that the media team put out a highlight reel highlighting the wrong dude.
General player movement news: Emmanuel Latte Lath is in Germany and off the books, albeit as a loan for now. But that's progress on one big issue. Nothing concrete in news about a replacement other than ideas about Romelu Lukaku being with MLS price range and considered available. Meh. Diaz has visa now, so he should be available on Saturday.
If we can get Lukaku for the rest of this season and the mini-season, I'll take him. He showed pretty convincingly in the World Cup that he's still got it, even if not quite at the level he used to have. If we have to do a long-term deal with him, I'd pass.
Welcome new defensive midfielder... * checks notes * ... Mauricio Amaro. A 21 yo Uruguayan whose whole career to-date has been with Defensor SC. He did help them to a trophy and is considered a strong prospect, featuring for the national U20 side. Color me curious but unmoved. Especially given some of the names bandied about, and knowing the turnover had at the defensive end, I thought for sure the club would've gone with an older (read: more proven) commodity here. I get that the dude likely comes cheap, but still. Anyway, welcome Mauricio.
Atlanta really only has room for one big name signing, ELL's DP slot, and it seems they want to use it on another striker, so the cap options were limited. Until they get rid of Azate (I'm guessing they're still trying to somehow move him, and won't use the buyout) the only other option to bring someone in was with the U22 spot. I'd have preferred to use it on a winger, but a 6 was a more pressing issue. Here's hoping he works out.
As for a striker, why not bring up that guy that's been killing it with the 2s? Why even have the 2s if you're not going to use them?
That'd be the guy who came in late in the Philly game. I'd like to see him get more chances, but I imagine the club desperately does not want to win the spoon, and that's not really something you put on a homegrown for his first stint as a professional.