Atlanta United signs Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galaraza from River Plate

Desperate for help, Atlanta United has acquired a needed reinforcement in midfield.

Atlanta United announced Monday it has acquired Paraguayan central midfielder Matías Galarza on a short term loan with an option to make the deal permanent this summer, which is expected.

“Matías is a talented young player who will add energy and intensity to our midfield,” Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said in the team’s press release. “At 24 years old, he’s played in multiple big games in South America at both the club and international level, recently helping Paraguay qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’re excited to welcome him to Atlanta.”

Galarza is sure to help Tata Martino and Atlanta United, for which the 17-year-old Academy product Cooper Sanchez has started in midfield in each of the team’s two losses to start the season. The Paraguayn profiles as a true box-to-box player — not quite the stalwart holding midfielder that Martino has suggested he’s looking for, but certainly a player who can still help the team build up play all the same.

Galarza has made 151 professional appearances and tallied 10 goals and six assists across all competitions, including the first divisions of Argentina and Brazil and Copa Libertadores. Galarza made 14 appearances for River Plate since joining the club in July of 2025. He previously played for Argentine club Talleres, recording five goals and two assists in 68 matches from August of 2023 to July of 2025. During his stint with the club, Talleres won the 2023-24 Supercopa Internacional and he made seven appearances in the 2024 Copa Libertadores to help the team reach the Round of 16.

The Asunción, Paraguay native began his career with Olimpia before joining Vasco da Gama in Brazil, first on loan and then signing with the club in 2021. In total, he recorded five goals and four assists in 58 appearances in all competitions. He spent the 2022 season on loan with Coritiba FC where he appeared in 11 matches in Serie A.

On the international level, Galarza has made 13 appearances for Paraguay and recorded two goals and an assist since his debut in 2022. He appeared in seven World Cup qualifying matches during CONMEBOL’s recent cycle, helping Paraguay earn its first trip to a World Cup since 2010.