Atlanta United sign Lille star Luiz Araújo
Atlanta United add Brazilian playmaker
The rumors surrounding player movements have come fast and furious in recent days for Atlanta United, but the ambitious MLS side finally landed what they hope will be an impact player in Luiz Araújo. The Brazilian comes to Atlanta United fresh off a successful four seasons in France with the current Ligue 1 champions, Lille.
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Araújo made the move to Lille from Sao Paolo for a reported €10.50m during the summer transfer window in 2017. He has made 136 appearances for Lille, scoring 18 goals and with eight assists during his four seasons in Ligue 1. He also had 28 appearances with Sao Paolo in Brazil’s top flite, registering four goals and three assists.
“Luiz is a player with great drive, a winning mentality, and is coming to us from a top club in Europe that just won their league,” Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement released by the club on Friday morning. “He has experience in big games, as well as UEFA Champions League and Europa League. We’re looking forward to him making an impact with the club.”
The 25-year old can man either wing position for Atlanta United. He likely will not be available for his new club this weekend as he awaits his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
Atlanta United plays at defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew SC this Saturday.
The addition of Araújo is promising for an Atlanta Untied side that has struggled this year. They go into this weekend with a 2-6-9 record (15 Points) and in eleventh place in the Eastern Conference.
It has certainly be a disappointing and frustrating year for the club, who are facing consecutive seasons without the playoffs for the first time in history. They have just 18 goals scored this season, among the worst in all of MLS.
In mid-July, Atlanta United fired head coach Gabriel Heinze. He was replaced by assistant coach Rob Valentino, who is now the club’s interim coach.