MLS
MLS 2023 season is the end of a cycle for Atlanta United and Thiago Almada
After their elimination in the 2023 MLS playoffs, Atlanta United will undergo an unprecedented generational change, with various players set to leave.
The 2023 MLS season has ended for Atlanta United. The tough defeat to Columbus Crew in the third game of the series saw the side knocked out after a valiant battle. The side led by Gonzalo Pineda went into an exciting end to the season with some even suggesting they could mirror the successes of 2018 and 2019, when they won their only MLS trophies.
However, as AS understands, the franchise from the south of the USA are preparing for a squad revolution in the upcoming transfer window with various players, both veterans and promising youngsters, set to pack their bags for Europe.
Miguel Almirón is the example to follow
Ever since the exit of Miguel Almirón in 2019, Atlanta United have become one of the best teams when it comes to developing talent, with the Paraguayan the standout example among many. But things could be set to change, with the 2024 market looking increasingly likely to be a watershed moment for the side. Players such as Thiago Almada have a non-formal agreement when it comes to his exit.
The world champion (he was a late inclusion to Argentina’s World Cup winning squad) already has various suitors in Europe, and was close to joining Ajax last summer. The MLS Young Player of the Year 2023 has shone in MLS this season, earning himself the right to decide when to leave. It will, as one may expect, not be a cheap operation.
“I’m going to try and finish the year in the best way possible”, Almada said at the start of November, “and try to win something here with the club because we are still in the playoffs and after we’ll see the options I have with my family and agent, my dream is to play in Europe, hopefully it can happen. For now I’m very happy here at the club that has helped me so much to develop on and off the pitch. We’ll see what happens in December and January”.
Who could leave Atlanta United in the transfer window?
As for Atlanta, one of the places on the pitch where they could be most affected is in the centre of the pitch. A key player in the side, Matheus Rossetto, someone who has been an undisputed starter, could be another name who leaves. The Brazilian, in the same way as Almada, was close to leaving last summer with a move to Italy on the cards, one that did not materialise.
AS understands that Serie A sides may well go on the attack for the pivot who arrived in MLS from Athletico Paranaense. And Rossetto will not be the only midfielder linked with moves away: Santiago Sosa is another name who has been rumoured to be on his way out. The Argentine has interest coming from his native country and Brazil, with Flamengo one of the interested parties.
Another name that looks likely to leave is the youngster Caleb Wiley. The left-footed full-back, at just 18-years-old, has taken the league by storm and seems set to be the future of the USMNT. At just 18 he has shown a talent level way beyond his age, reminding fans of a time when Alphonso Davies made a meal of the league with Vancouver, thanks also to his ability to play as a midfielder. The Georgian is attracting fluttering eyelashes from Europe and various clubs in Germany are thought to be following him.