Atlanta United exercise purchase option for Xande Silva
- Silva originally joined the Five Stripes on loan deal from Dijon
- The 26-year-old quickly impressed, contributing seven involvements in 13 appearances
- Atlanta have moved to secure long-term future of Silva
Atlanta United have made Xande Silva's loan deal permanent after the winger's excellent first half-season with the Five Stripes.
Silva originally joined Atlanta from French side Dijon on loan, and he made an instant impact for Gonzalo Pineda's side in his second start against Nashville SC.
The 26-year-old tallied a goal and an assist in Atlanta's dominant 4-1 triumph over the Coyotes, and he went on to contribute a further two goals and three assists before the conclusion of the regular season. Even though the Five Stripes fell in the first round of the postseason to MLS Cup finalists Columbus Crew, Silva still added two goals to play his part in the series.
Silva's permanent deal sees him remain at Mercedes-Benz Stadium through the 2025 MLS season with an option for 2026, becoming a key cog in Atlanta's plans for the next few seasons.
"We're excited to bring Xande back on a permanent transfer and look forward to him building off of his performances during the final stretch of the season," Atlanta United vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a press release. "He is a dynamic attacker who likes to take defenders on and can contribute goals and assists.
Silva made 13 appearance, including 11 starts, across all competitions for Atlanta in his first season as a Five Strip, and with the likes of 2023 Newcomer of the Year Giorgos Giakoumakis, Saba Lobjanidze, Edwin Mosquera and potentially Thiago Almada at his disposal pending the winter transfer window, Pineda has plenty of attacking talent ahead of the 2024 season.
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