Atlanta United announced today it has signed Norwegian international defender Stian Gregersen through the 2027 MLS season with an option for 2028. Gregersen joins from Girondins de Bordeaux in France’s Ligue 2 and will occupy an international roster spot pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
“Stian has been a consistent performer across multiple leagues and is comfortable defending with space behind him, as well as in an organized block,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocaengra said. “He is someone who reads the game well, has a presence, and helps command the back line through organization and leadership. We are excited for him to join Atlanta United and bolster our defense.”
The 28-year-old center back began his youth career with Kristiansund FK in his hometown before joining Molde FK in 2012. He was loaned to Kristiansund in 2015 before returning to Molde in 2016 where he made his first division debut. He would go on to make 98 appearances across all competitions for the club from 2016-2021, including nine appearances in the 2020-21 Europa League, scoring four goals and winning two Norwegian Cup titles. Gregersen spent the 2019 season on loan with Elfsborg in Sweden’s top flight where he made 26 appearances and scored one goal.
Gregersen transferred to Bordeaux in France’s Ligue 1 before the 2021-22 season and started 22 of his 24 league appearances that season, scoring his first goal for the club on Nov. 28, 2021, against Stade Brestois. During the 2022-23 season, the center back started 34 of his 36 appearances in Ligue 2 as Bordeaux finished in third place, one place out of promotion to Ligue 1. This season, he started 12 of his 13 league appearances. In total, he made 75 appearances across all competitions for Bordeaux and scored two goals.
At the international level, Gregersen has made eight appearances for Norway, making his debut in a UEFA World Cup Qualifying match against Turkey on March 27, 2021.
Player Profile
Name: Stian Gregersen
Position: Defender
Height: 6-4
Birthdate: May 17, 1995 (28)
Birthplace: Kristiansund, Norway
Citizenship: Norway
Transaction: Atlanta United signs Stian Gregersen through the 2027 season with an option for 2028 on Jan. 11, 2024, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
2024 Atlanta United roster (as of Jan. 11, 2024)
Goalkeepers (3): Josh Cohen, Brad Guzan, Quentin Westberg
Defenders (8): Luis Abram, Noah Cobb, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Brooks Lennon, Aiden McFadden, Efraín Morales, Caleb Wiley
Midfielders (11): Thiago Almada, Derrick Etienne Jr., Nick Firmino, Ajani Fortune, Saba Lobjanidze, Dax McCarty, Edwin Mosquera, Tristan Muyumba, Santiago Sosa, Adyn Torres, Tyler Wolff
Forwards (5): Luke Brennan, Erik Centeno, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Xande Silva, Jamal Thiaré
Loaned Out for 2024 season: Franco Ibarra (Rosario Central)