What should Atlanta United look for in a DP striker?

The Five Stripes are in the market for an impact No. 9.

Atlanta United has been blessed. Through their first six-plus seasons, they’ve signed two strikers to Designated Player contracts. Both of those players have gone on to do extraordinary things for the club and became the centerpiece for the team to build around. In a sudden turn of events over the past few weeks, Giorgos Giakoumakis is on his way out of Atlanta, leaving the Five Stripes looking for a focal point to build their attack around for a third time.

With fans understandably frustrated after losing one of the few players to win over their hearts in the past few years, you can bet the club will do everything in their power to bring in a replacement sooner rather than later. It’s also a strong bet that this decision could help guide the new direction of the club as they are once again in a form of rebuilding.

As we head towards the summer, let’s take a look at what Atlanta United’s recruitment team should be assessing as far as bringing in a Designated Player at the striker position.