MLS Record Signings Latte Lath and Denkey: Signs of Instant Impact for Their Teams!

Atlanta United’s training facility features a second-floor balcony where the team executives can view the training field below. This setup created a memorable moment during preseason.

While the management watched practice, journalists gathered below. Atlanta’s vice president of soccer operations, Dimitrios Efstathiou, stepped onto the balcony to share exciting news: the team had agreed to sign forward Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough for a league-record $22 million.

Cheers erupted from the executives, with Atlanta’s president, Garth Lagerwey, lifting Efstathiou in a jubilant bear hug. However, the moment had a complication. Since the deal wasn’t officially signed, they had to keep it under wraps to prevent any leaks. Later, they cleverly referred to the excitement as a birthday celebration.

This incident showed how crucial Latte Lath’s signing was for Atlanta this year.

Lagerwey, often regarded as one of the best general managers in MLS history, faced the task of revitalizing a club that had seen better days. After strong seasons in 2018 and 2019, Atlanta struggled to maintain their competitive edge. Last season was particularly tough, prompting Lagerwey to initiate what he called “a profound reset on a cultural level.”

Atlanta made significant changes, such as dismissing coach Gonzalo Pineda and parting ways with sporting director Carlos Bocanegra. Major players like Thiago Almada and Giorgios Giakoumakis were sold, along with homegrown talent Caleb Wiley.

While it seemed like a fire sale, there was a strategic purpose behind it. Lagerwey explained, “We sold those players at a time when we could maximize our investment. Yes, it was stressful in the short term, but that revenue allowed us to pursue elite talents.”

Atlanta had significant pressure to utilize their winter budget effectively. Their decisions would determine the success or failure of this ambitious reset.

On a recent Saturday, the fruits of their labor began to show. The offseason investments in Latte Lath and club legend Miguel Almirón excited fans. Together with attacking midfielder Alexey Miranchuk, who was signed for $13 million last summer, they created a dynamic attacking team. During a match against Montreal, 65,520 fans witnessed Atlanta earn a thrilling 3-2 victory. Latte Lath scored two goals, while Almirón assisted on the winner—exactly the kind of impact expected from their substantial investments.

Lagerwey emphasized that these efforts weren’t just reckless spending. “We reinvested the money we earned. Almada was bought for $16 million and sold for $21 million, while Giakoumakis was purchased for $4.35 million and flipped for $10 million,” he noted. This approach is one that Lagerwey believes other teams can adopt with smart strategies in player development and transfers.

On MLS’s opening weekend, the results of such investment strategies were clear. Kévin Denkey, who held the record for the biggest incoming transfer before Latte Lath, also made his mark by scoring for FC Cincinnati. This team, which had struggled in its early years, has transformed into a competitive force.

FC Cincinnati’s coach, Pat Noonan, said it’s great to see new players rise to expectations. He believes Denkey is on the right path to consistent performance. While it’s early in the season, both Atlanta and Cincinnati show promise for a successful future.

With smarter spending, MLS can boost its quality and attract more fans, ultimately aiming to grow its viewership. The success of teams like Atlanta and Cincinnati can provide hope that the league is on the right track.

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Atlanta United FC, FC Cincinnati, Middlesbrough, Championship, MLS, Soccer