OFFICIAL: Atlanta United trades Saba Lobjanidze to Real Salt Lake
The Five Stripes’ busy summer appears to be beginning with a big departure.
UPDATE 7/1: It’s now official. Saba moves to RSL along with a third-round SuperDraft pick.
Atlanta United’s summer roster overhaul appears to be commencing. According to the esteemed Tom Bogert, the Five Stripes are set to trade Saba Lobjandize to Real Salt Lake in exchange for $625,000 in guaranteed General Allocation Money with more in add-ons, while still being responsible for part of his budget charge.
Saba’s time in Atlanta will be remembered in two parts. His arrival at the club was electric as he won over the fans with his relentless energy and passion, not to mention a very good return in production. Unfortunately in the last few seasons, the goals dried up and his effectiveness dwindled noticeably.
His departure shouldn’t come as much of a shock to anyone as the club desperately needs to bring in new faces all over the field to try and rejuvenate the squad. Winger being one of the bigger needs.
This deal is interesting. We can’t fully judge it without knowing how much of Saba’s budget charge the team is on the hook for and how much room this creates to bring in more players. However, to receive a decent chunk of GAM for a player with two goals in MLS in the last 18 months seems very reasonable and perhaps favorable.
Hopefully this is just one of many moves to try and give this roster the changes it needs to turn the results around.
This one makes me sad, especially to see him move within MLS. I hope he finds more Saba Time again, just not when he’s playing us.
It’s the right move even if i love Saba Time.