Atlanta United Breaks MLS Record to Sign Ivory Coast Striker Emmanuel Latte Lath
Atlanta United has made a major statement in the MLS transfer market with the record-breaking signing of Emmanuel Latte Lath, securing the speedy Ivorian striker from Middlesbrough FC. The club confirmed the move on Tuesday, with Latte Lath signing a contract that runs through 2028, including an option for the 2029 season.
In what is now the largest transfer fee in MLS history, Atlanta United reportedly paid a staggering $22 million to acquire Latte Lath, surpassing the previous record of $16.2 million, which FC Cincinnati spent in November to bring in Kevin Denkey from Cercle Brugge.
A Proven Goal Scorer Ready to Shine in MLS
At 26 years old, Latte Lath arrives in Atlanta as an experienced goal scorer with a strong track record in Europe. Over two seasons with Middlesbrough (2023-2025), he found the net 29 times in 67 appearances, including 11 goals this season, making him the club’s leading scorer.
His journey began in Italy, where he signed his first professional contract with Atalanta at just 17 years old in 2016. After gaining experience across multiple leagues in Europe, he now takes on a new challenge in Major League Soccer, bringing his pace, finishing ability, and tactical awareness to the Five Stripes’ attack.
Atlanta United’s Vision for Latte Lath
Atlanta United’s sporting director Chris Henderson praised the club’s new star signing, highlighting what makes Latte Lath a perfect fit for the team’s offensive style:
“He’s a forward with excellent pace and good goal-scoring instincts. His ability to stretch the field will add another dimension to our attack,” Henderson said.
Recognizing Latte Lath’s prime years, Henderson is confident that the striker’s experience and natural goal-scoring ability will make an immediate impact in MLS.
“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,” he added.
The Five Stripes Look Ahead to 2025 Season
With Latte Lath now on board as a designated player, Atlanta United fans will get their first glimpse of their new star when the club kicks off the 2025 MLS regular season on February 22, hosting CF Montréal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This high-profile signing signals Atlanta United’s ambition to reclaim their status among the league’s elite and challenge for silverware in 2025. All eyes will be on Latte Lath to see if he can live up to the record-breaking transfer fee and become the goal-scoring force the club has been searching for.
