Atlanta United made a bold statement this week by signing Ivory Coast striker Emmanuel Latte Lath for an MLS-record $22 million from Middlesbrough. The move eclipses the $16.2 million FC Cincinnati paid for former Belgium Pro League Golden Boot winner Kevin Denkey last year. This signing confirms Atlanta’s commitment to reasserting itself among the league’s elite after a ninth-place finish in the Eastern Conference.
Latte Lath, 26, arrives with 29 goals in 67 matches during his 18 months at Middlesbrough. He’s earned praise for his speed and scoring instincts, qualities that helped him become the top scorer for his former club this season. “He’s a forward with excellent pace and good goalscoring instincts,” said Atlanta sporting director Chris Henderson. “His ability to stretch the field will add another dimension to our attack.”
The striker began his professional journey at Italy‘s Atalanta when he was only 17. Now he steps into Atlanta’s front line at a stage many consider the prime of his career. “At 26 years old, he’s entering the prime years of his career and has already shown his goal-scoring ability in multiple leagues in Europe,” Henderson added.
An eager fan base and a new-look attack
Supporters are excited to see Latte Lath join a squad that recently brought back fan favorite Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United for $10 million. That deal had previously secured Atlanta’s place in the record books for outgoing transfers after they sold Almirón for around $27 million in 2019. Now, with Latte Lath, Atlanta holds both the top incoming and one of the top outgoing fees in MLS history.
On the field, Latte Lath is expected to complement Almirón and other attacking pieces by combining relentless pace with a knack for breaking down defenses. Still, some fans have voiced concerns about spending so much on a striker with fewer than 30 goals in the English second tier. Yet the club’s leadership appears confident this gamble will pay off.
Atlanta will have its first chance to show off its new star when it opens the 2025 MLS season at home against CF Montreal on February 22. After a disappointing playoff run last year, the team believes Latte Lath’s arrival signals a fresh start, one that could spark an offense reminiscent of the 2018 squad that claimed the MLS Cup. If he lives up to the price tag, Atlanta may once again set the tone for a league that continues to grow in global influence.
