OFFICIAL: Atlanta United signs Mauricio Amaro from Defensor SC as U22 initiative player
The club have found their new defensive midfielder.
Atlanta United announced on Friday that they have signed defensive midfielder Mauricio Amaro on a permanent transfer from Defensor SC in Uruguay.
Amaro, 21, will occupy the third and final U22 initiative slot on the roster alongside Elias Baez and Tomas Jacob.
“We’re excited to add a top young talent like Mauricio to Atlanta United,” Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “He’s a player who will strengthen our midfield with his tackling, ball winning, competitiveness and ability to drive forward and split lines in possession. We look forward to welcoming him to the club.”
Amaro has signed a contract with the Five Stripes through the 2028-29 season with an option for 2029-30.
The youngster is widely rated as one of the best under-21 defensive midfielders in all of South America.
Amaro has appeared nearly 60 times for Defensor in the Uruguayan first division.
The club has been searching for a defensive midfielder since selling Bartosz Slisz this past offseason. They’ve also completely shifted their mindset on U22 players, going from casting them aside to using them on three important spots on their roster.
Only time will tell if this signing pans out and Amaro is able to become the midfield lynchpin this team desperately needs. However, judging based solely on the metrics, you have to count this as a great coup on paper.
Tata Martino’s system is heavily dependent on the No. 6, so there will be ton of pressure and responsibility on Amaro’s shoulders should he break into the lineup.