Atlanta United has officially signed Chilean international defender Paulo Díaz, as announced by the club on Tuesday. Díaz joins the team on a free transfer after spending the last seven seasons with River Plate, a prominent club in Argentina.

Contract Details and Player Profile

Díaz has signed a contract that extends through the 2028 season, with options for 2029 and 2030. Chris Henderson, Atlanta's chief soccer officer and sporting director, expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating, "Paulo is a player who will bring toughness, competition and a winning mentality to our group." He emphasized Díaz's ability as a center back, noting his understanding of when to be aggressive and when to maintain defensive structure. Henderson also highlighted Díaz's extensive experience at both club and international levels, which aligns with Atlanta United's playing style.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Díaz has made 364 appearances across all competitions, contributing 27 goals and 11 assists. He has played in the top divisions of Chile, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia, securing eight titles. On the international stage, he has earned 56 caps for Chile, scoring once.

Díaz marks Atlanta's second defensive signing of the summer transfer window, following the acquisition of Paraguay international Júnior Alonso from Atlético Mineiro. As Atlanta United prepares to resume play after the World Cup break, they currently sit 14th in the Eastern Conference with 11 points. Their next match is scheduled for Friday evening against Nashville SC.