What Edwin Mosquera’s departure means for Atlanta United

The Five Stripes’ attacking depth needs addressing

On Thursday, Colombian club Millonarios announced that they have acquired Edwin Mosquera on loan from Atlanta United for the next 12 months. As of writing, the Five Stripes had not officially confirmed the news, however we expect that announcement at any time.

This move comes as little surprise considering Mosquera’s playing time has significantly dwindled as the season has gone on. Even with the team’s attacking issues, he was passed over for a substitute appearance more often than not in the last month.

Mosquera’s contract is set to expire this offseason, with Atlanta holding an option to renew it for 2026 or not. Rumors speculate that there is a purchase option on the end of the loan deal for around $900,000 if Millonarios wish to make the move permanent. This seems like a last ditch attempt by the Five Stripes to try and get some sort of return on their initial investment before cutting ties with the player completely.

As far as Atlanta’s roster situation is concerned, it’s now obvious that the club needs to address their attacking depth. With the departure of Xande Silva earlier this season and now Mosquera leaving as well, the club are extremely thin when it comes to forwards. The only true wingers left on the roster are now Saba Lobjanidze and Luke Brennan.

This move also theoretically opens up all three U22 initiative spots on the roster for the club to work with. However, those don’t seem like a priority for the club’s plan for building the squad. Will that change this summer?

With a handful of roster spots to work with, it only makes sense for the club to go out and find someone who can bolster the attacking depth chart and give Ronny Deila some options to work with. If they have any designs on trying to be competitive this season, this transfer window task has now become a must.