Atlanta United to increase transfer budget by $50 million

With $42 million in potential funds – and that could rise to $50 million if some deals go through quickly – at Atlanta United’s disposal, the club is on the cusp of a game-changing transfer window. With that colossal sum, the club can bolster its squad and targets by making massive market moves.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the key to this influx of funds lies in several major outgoing transfers. First, Giorgos Giakoumakis left for Cruz Azul, and the Greek forward will fetch $10 million. Meanwhile, the sale of Ezequiel Barco to River Plate initially fetched $11 million. Additionally, Atlanta United will receive a sell-back percentage on its subsequent $16 million sale to Spartak Moscow.

In addition, Almada’s departure to a consortium, involving a transfer to Brazilian Botafogo, will earn them a base fee of $21 million. The amount can reach $31 million, subject to the achievement of performance bonuses. It is not yet known whether Atlanta United used part of the money from the finalization of the contract with Barco on January 1 to acquire new players during the winter transfer window.

Another potentially significant deal involves full-back Caleb Wiley, who has agreed to join Strasbourg from Chelsea. The Athletic reported that an $11 million transfer fee has been discussed. If that deal goes through, it would further strengthen the Five Stripes’ financial clout.

How will Atlanta United spend its money now?

Atlanta United has already made a first move by signing fullback Pedro Amador. With two Designated Player (DP) spots available, the club has the opportunity to strategically reinvest the proceeds from those sales. Under MLS rules, 95% of the funds received from DP sales can be used to acquire another DP, with teams having the option to spend more if necessary.

Atlanta reportedly made a $10 million offer for Russian international Aleksei Miranchuk, who is moving from Atalanta. This high-level player profile, who has proven himself in several leagues, fits Lagerwey’s strategic approach. The club also needs to appoint a new coach and sign replacements for Almada and Giakoumakis to revive its season.

They currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference, just below the playoff line. The team hasn’t won a trophy since 2019, adding a sense of urgency to this transfer window. Effective reinvestment in the team is essential to revitalize their on-field performances and climb the standings.

Historical transfer window

For Atlanta United, the summer transfer window could be a turning point. The club has already secured $42 million in guaranteed transfer fees from the sales of Almada, Giakoumakis and Wiley, with an additional $3 million coming from a sell-back clause in the transfer of Esequiel Barco. That total of $45 million far surpasses the previous MLS record of $28 million secured by the Chicago Fire in January 2022.

With Garth Lagerwey as club president and Carlos Bocanegra as technical director, Atlanta United is well positioned to use these funds effectively. Lagerwey’s experience building successful teams at Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders, combined with Bocanegra’s day-to-day management, gives confidence in their ability to make impactful signings.

Carlos Bocanegra, Atlanta United’s vice president and technical director, highlighted the club’s success in recruiting Almada and stressed the importance of reinvesting in the team. The club’s preparation for Almada’s departure and strategic approach to the upcoming summer transfer window reflect a commitment to maintaining competitive performance.

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