TRANSFER RUMORS: Atlanta United linked to goalkeeper and defender
The stove is heating up.
It’s about that time, folks. Silly Season is upon us.
Atlanta United has been linked to two different transfer targets this week. Let’s talk about them.
Argentinian journalist Fede Cristofanelli claims that Newell’s Old Boys goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos has a “serious chance” to join the Five Stripes when his contract with his current club expires at the end of December.
Hoyos is a 36-year-old goalkeeper who would arrive on a free transfer if this rumor were to come to fruition.
It should be noted that Hoyos is coming off a major knee injury he suffered in late 2024. He returned to the field in October 2025 after a long layoff.
While it seems unlikely he’d be the one to take the starting job from Jayden Hibbert, there’s really no telling what the club and Tata Martino truly think when it comes to who they want to start.
At the very least, this appears to be a potential move to bring in some competition for the job.
The next rumor comes from a journalist from Paraguay. Jorge Chipi Vera says that Atlanta United is “very close” to signing centerback Júnior Alonso from Atlético Mineiro.
The 32-year-old defender appeared 28 times in the Brasileiro Série A so far this season. He plays primarily as a left-sided centerback. He would likely require a transfer fee of some sort to be acquired.
Atlanta’s defense has been in constant flux over the past 12 months. Tata’s return to the club was always going to mean changes to the squad were coming. However, if this move materializes, it would surely cause a ripple effect throughout the roster. There is already quite a long list of defenders at the club, and not enough payroll to go around.
As always, these are just rumors for now. Nothing is imminent. We’ll keep you updated if anything major happens. Also, remember to join us in Discord for more conversation regarding any other rumors that may pop up in the offseason.