Atlanta United buys out contract of center back Luis Abram

Atlanta United parts ways early with the Peruvian defender to open up more cap space.

Atlanta United announced today that it’s using its second and final buyout of 2025 on Peruvian defender Luis Abram, freeing up needed cap space and an international slot during Major League Soccer’s summer transfer window.

Abram was Atlanta’s third-highest earning non-Designated Player on the roster, with a wage of $871,888 for 2025. He will be paid in full personally, but his prorated contract will no longer count against Atlanta’s books as it seeks to acquire more impact players before the transfer window closes. Abram took up an international slot, which will be allocated back to the club.

Atlanta United just traded away an international slot to Inter Miami over the weekend and received a player plus $225k GAM in return. The team is reportedly chasing an international midfielder in Steven Alzate.

Per MLS rules, a club may buyout up to two players who have a Guaranteed Contract to free up the corresponding Salary Budget space each year. Such a buyout is at the club's expense and may apply to any mutually terminated contracted player or to a contract that remains in effect. It used its previous buyout on Derrick Etienne earlier this season.

“We want to thank Luis for his service to the club over the last three seasons and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Atlanta United Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said.

Abram, 29, joined Atlanta United in January 2023 from Granada CF. During his two and a half seasons with the 5-Stripes, he played in 74 matches in all competitions, with 55 of those being starts. He made eight appearances in the postseason for Atlanta, including six starts.