It's no secret that Atlanta United have fallen from their inaugural years in Major League Soccer. Club legends such as Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron brought MLS Cup back to Atlanta in just their second season of existence. In 2019, they captured both the US Open Cup and the Campeones Cup. The trophies ended there, though, and Atlanta's fans are demanding more of their club. Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra has caught a ton of heat in recent years for his influx of "failed" signings, including the likes of Pity Martinez, Marcelino Moreno, Alan Franco, Ezequiel Barco, among others. But, will 2023 be the year that Bocanegra gets his signings right?
Atlanta United's off-season has been emotional and busy. The club parted ways with forward Josef Martinez, who scored over 100 goals in Atlanta, and will begin his first season with Inter Miami CF. Defender Alan Franco was shipped off to Brazil's São Paulo, and Marcelino Moreno will go on loan with Coritiba. Summer signing Edwin Mosquera was also loaned out to Argentina. Atlanta's front office proved they are ready for a roster-reset with the amount of outgoing transfers present.
On the other hand, some splashes were made that could very well improve Atlanta United going forward. Likely the most important of the bunch is the addition of Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis, who will arrive from Celtic very soon. Other clubs were in the race for him, but Atlanta's offer ended up being good enough to secure him as the club's newest DP #9. His official announcement is expected in the coming days. In free agency, former Columbus Crew winger Derrick Etienne Jr. arrives to help the attack. In addition, they bolstered the back-line with experienced center-back Luis Abram. It is not yet clear how they will choose to line up in the back, perhaps a back three with all of Abram, Miles Robinson, and Juan Purata. Nevertheless, all three are capable defenders and they are currently interchangeable in a lineup. Brad Guzan, Quentin Westberg, and Clement Diop will compete for the starting goalkeeper job. Luiz Araujo may or may not be on the roster when the season kicks off, as Palmeiras has expressed interest in the Brazilian. Of course, rising star and World Cup winner Thiago Almada will look to lead Atlanta United to the promised land. Though, it's only a matter of time before the world's biggest clubs come knocking for him.
Atlanta United's off-season was definitely a step in the right direction, but the roster still has some holes and a lack of depth. The midfield will need to see some players step up and take on a bigger role, such as Matheus Rossetto, Amar Sejdic, and Santiago Sosa. It's hard to imagine that this team will regain their magic in 2023. Not that preseason means much of anything, but Atlanta were unable to compete with a second division Mexican side in Atlante, losing 4-1 combined across two games. With that being said, there should definitely be higher expectations, the talent is there. Atlanta United's six years have been quite the roller-coaster, but it's only a matter of time before Mercedes-Benz Stadium is rocking with excitement once again.
Projected XI:
GK: Guzan
DEF: Gutman, Purata, Robinson, Lennon
MID: Sosa, Rossetto, Araujo, Almada, Etienne Jr.
FWD: Giakoumakis
Off-Season Grade: B
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