NEWS: Atlanta United sign Daniel Rios on loan from Chivas

The striker depth chart grows larger.

Atlanta United announced on Wednesday that they have signed striker Daniel Rios on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara for the rest of the 2024 season.

“We have been looking to strengthen our depth in the attack and find a proven goal scorer who knows MLS,” Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “Daniel is a player we are familiar with from his previous stops in the league. Looking ahead to a busy summer with MLS, U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup, along with the potential to lose several players to both Euros and Copa America, we believe Daniel brings quality to our team and adds competition to the group.”

Rios, 29, joins the Five Stripes as depth for the attacking corps.

With just one true striker on the roster behind Giorgos Giakoumakis, the club were in need of another insurance option at the No. 9 position.

A Mexico native and Chivas product, Atlanta will be Rios’ third different MLS club. The 6’1” target man was a part of Nashville SC’s inaugural roster, scoring five goals in 30 appearances between 2020 and 2021. He would enjoy more success with another expansion project in 2022 with Charlotte FC, where he would tally seven goals and two assists during the regular season.

He will embark on another loan spell with an MLS side. This time, he’ll be asked to play a more reserved role behind a Golden Boot contender.

For Atlanta United, they have always had issues finding production from their backup strikers. Going out and getting someone with proven success in MLS to help your depth makes a ton of sense.