Atlanta United sign Aleksei Miranchuk from Atalanta - report
- Atlanta United reportedly reached an agreement to sign Miranchuk from Atalanta
- The deal is around $13 million for the attacking midfielder
- Miranchuk slots in to the midfield replacing Thiago Almada
By Max Mallow
Major League Soccer team Atlanta United is set to sign Russian international midfielder Aleksei Miranchuk from Atalanta, according to a report from DiMarzio.
The two sides agreed to a fee of around $13 million for the player, GIVEMESPORT's Tom Bogert reported. Miranchuk becomes the natural replacement for Thiago Almada who moved to Botafogo. The signing signifies a potential wave of incomings after outgoings including Almada, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Caleb Wiley netted more than $40 million in revenue.
Miranchuk slots into the MLS side as a natural 10 alongside the likes of Saba Lobjanidze and Xande Silva.
Get to know Atlanta United's latest signing: Aleksei Miranchuk
As mentioned, Miranchuk is an attacking midfielder that will mostly play the 10 for Atlanta United.
Miranchuk made 27 appearances in Serie A last season for Atalanta scoring three goals and providing six assists. He also played 10 times in the side's successful Europa League campaign defeating the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the final. Miranchuk was named to the bench in the final, but did not appear. Miranchuk logged four assists in the Europa League this season. He departs Atalanta with 98 total appearances, 13 goals and 19 assists.
Atlanta United's first major signing this summer is also one of the most expensive transfers in MLS history. The club is currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, good enough to secure a play-off match to make the postseason.
Atlanta United plays D.C. United and Santos Laguna with hopes of advancing to the Leagues Cup knockout stage this season. Depending on how far the team goes in the competition, Miranchuk might make his debut in the tournament. If not, Atlanta returns to MLS action on Aug. 24 against LA Galaxy.
The team is still in search of a head coach after dismissing Gonzalo Pineda in June. Interim head coach Rob Valentino gets a new creator in the attack alongside the team's talented options.
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