Major League Soccer announced the league’s roster designations following the roster compliance deadline last week. The league’s primary transfer window remains open until March 26. The secondary transfer window will run from July 13 to Sept. 2.
Here’s what that means for Atlanta United:
- Miguel Almirón, Latte Lath, and Alexey Miranchuk occupy the club’s three Designated Player spots.
- The club has two senior roster spots open and one U-22 spot open.
- It is currently using eight of its nine international roster slots.
- Pedro Amador recently acquired his Green Card and now counts as a domestic player.
MLS did a fantastic job in providing the press with these easy-to-read, color-coded roster designations. Below, you’ll see how easy it is to differentiate between TAM and GAM players as well as who has contract options.
The first thing that stands out is the number of Homegrown Players on the roster. With a total of 10 on the roster, 6 of them are in a contract year, and the only player without an option is the club’s mainstay in midfield, Ajani “Jay” Fortune.
It’s not too late for the club to make a splash and sign a big name with their last international player slot. Or, they have the option to add more youth with a third and final U22 Initiative Player spot remaining. It will be interesting to see which path they take with just four weeks left in the transfer window. A secondary window will open on July 13.
Atlanta’s next match is tomorrow, Feb. 28, when they visit the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park (7:30 p.m., Apple TV, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor).