Atlanta United has officially signed defender Paulo Díaz, securing his services through the 2027-28 season, with options to extend for the 2028-29 and 2029-30 seasons. The Chilean center back joins the club on a free transfer after a successful seven-year stint at River Plate. He will take up an international roster spot, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.

Experience and Skill Set

Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director of Atlanta United, expressed enthusiasm about Díaz's arrival, stating, “Paulo is a player who will bring toughness, competition and a winning mentality to our group.” Henderson highlighted Díaz's understanding of the game, noting his ability to gauge when to be aggressive or maintain defensive discipline. With extensive experience at both club and international levels, Díaz is expected to fit well into Atlanta United's playing style.

Career Highlights

Díaz has an impressive track record, having made 364 club appearances and scored 27 goals along with 11 assists across various competitions, including leagues in Chile, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. His time at River Plate was particularly fruitful, where he contributed to the team’s success by winning seven trophies, including two league titles in 2021 and 2023, and one Argentine Cup in 2018-19. During his tenure at River Plate, he made 222 appearances, netting 13 goals and providing three assists.

Before his time at River Plate, Díaz started his career with CD Palestino, where he made 39 appearances and scored six goals from 2013 to 2015. He then had a brief stint at Colo-Colo, contributing to their 2015 league title. His subsequent transfer to San Lorenzo in Argentina saw him make 69 appearances, scoring eight goals and assisting four times. After a season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, where he made 33 appearances, Díaz has also represented Chile internationally, earning 56 caps and scoring one goal since his debut in 2015.

With his wealth of experience and proven track record, Paulo Díaz is poised to make a significant impact at Atlanta United as they look to strengthen their defensive lineup.