Atlanta United is going through a big change with new leadership and player signings. The club has two open Designated Player spots and room under the U22 initiative which sets things up for changes that could reshape how they do in the MLS.
- Garth Lagerwey is looking for a new head coach.
- People are saying Chris Henderson might come work for the club.
- Atlanta United needs to make big choices about its future direction.
Leadership and Strategic Changes
Atlanta United is starting a new chapter as they get ready for a really important winter. Garth Lagerwey, who came in as President and CEO last November 2022 is leading everything. Lagerwey who did really good with Seattle Sounders FC, is in charge of finding a new head coach. A
Atlanta United has huge winter ahead of them. Garth Lagerwey, Chris Henderson and the front office get to work with a blank canvas.
– Head coaching search (final stage)
– 2 open DPs
– U22 initiative flexibilityAtlanta have spent 5 of the 7 biggest transfer fees in MLS history
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert)
December 15, 2024
from Tom Bogert shows how quick they need these decisions made. There’s also talk that Chris Henderson who’s doing great things at Inter Miami CF might join Atlanta United which would make their front office even stronger with his experience.
Learn more about Atlanta United’s plans and leadership changes.
Player Acquisition and Transfer Strategy
Atlanta United always spends a lot of money and has made some of the biggest deals MLS has ever seen. They got two open Designated Player spots and can still use the U22 initiative which means they can get some really good players. When you look at players they got before like Ezequiel Barco and Thiago Almada you can see they really want the best players they can get. The MLS free agency period gives Atlanta a chance to get even more good players which could help them do better than other teams.
Impact on MLS and Broader Implications
While Atlanta United makes these changes it affects more than just them. How they do things could change how other teams spend money in MLS especially since they aren’t afraid to spend big. Getting really good players won’t just help Atlanta but it’ll make the whole league look better to people around the world. It’s kind of like what happened with the big transfer of Facundo Torres to Palmeiras which shows how MLS is getting noticed more worldwide.
