Atlanta United has another new addition for the 2025 season. On Friday, the club officially announced a trade that will bring veteran midfielder Mateusz Klich to Atlanta.
In exchange for the 34-year-old, the Five Stripes will send D.C. United their No. 23 overall pick in this year’s SuperDraft. D.C. will cover a large portion of Klich’s salary, effectively making this a low risk move by Chris Henderson. In addition, if Atlanta agrees to sign Klich past the 2025 season, it will owe D.C. an additional $50,000 in General Allocation Money for 2026.
“Mateusz is a central midfielder with proven quality both in this league and at the highest levels in Europe,” Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “He’s had two quality seasons in MLS since joining the league in 2023. He’s a good chance creator, while also being able to dictate the tempo of a game from the middle of the pitch. We believe his qualities and leadership will be a good addition to our midfield.”
It’s hard to see much of a downside to this move from Atlanta’s perspective. They are getting a wildly experienced player for pennies on the dollar. Even if the move fails to garner the production they desire it will not set them back financially.
On the upside, the potential to catch lightning in a bottle for cheap is there. If Klich performs up to the quality he’s shown throughout his career, the club will look like geniuses.
It appears that Klich is excited by the move, having already posted an Atlanta trap music playlist on one of his social media accounts. All-in-all, this is a low risk move that could prove to be extremely beneficial if things go well.
Is this basically a like for like replacement for Dax?
A Polish International double pivot of Klich and Slisz? Kurczę tak!