Atlanta United is making waves with a blockbuster signing, securing striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough FC. The club announced the deal Tuesday, confirming a four-year Designated Player contract running through 2028, with an option for 2029.
The transfer fee? A reported Major League Soccer-record $22 million plus add-ons, smashing the previous high set when FC Cincinnati landed Kévin Denkey for $16.2 million. The 26-year-old Ivory Coast international now becomes the centrepiece of Atlanta’s attacking rebuild.
The talk of the town. Now it's official.
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) February 4, 2025
Bienvenue, Latte Lath ⚡️🐘 pic.twitter.com/rQ22t2bqah
“We’re excited to sign Latte Lath and look forward to welcoming him to the club and the city of Atlanta,” said Atlanta’s sporting director, Chris Henderson. “His pace and goal-scoring instincts will add another dimension to our attack,” he told the Atlanta United website.
Latte Lath made his mark at Middlesbrough, netting 29 goals in 67 appearances over the last two seasons. He finished fourth in the 2023-24 EFL Championship Golden Boot race, proving his ability at a high level. His journey has taken him through Italy, Switzerland, and England, accumulating 65 goals and 12 assists.