Atlanta United re-sign Ronald Hernandez through 2025, option for 2026

Atlanta United defender Ronald Hernandez #2 dribbles the ball during the US Open Cup match against the Charlotte Independence at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA on Tuesday May 7, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United)

A day after Atlanta United brought back striker Jamal Thiare on a one-year deal with an option for a second, it did the same for backup right back Ronald Hernandez, it announced today.

The 27-year-old Hernandez originally didn’t have his option picked up by Atlanta but remained in discussions with the club over a reworked deal — presumably at a reduced salary — even after being exposed in the MLS Expansion Draft. He made 21 appearances with 14 starts across all competitions, starting every match of the Inter Miami series in the MLS Cup Playoffs while playing 41 minutes in the East semifinals at Orlando City.

Hernandez has cut a bit of a polarizing figure during his time in Atlanta, but he’s looked at as a respective veteran presence in the locker room. He’s not as attack-minded as Brooks Lennon; however, with Lennon’s injury, he’ll be in line to start at RB for the 2025 season opener. That said, Atlanta would do well to add more depth as Matt Edwards is the only other option on that side of the pitch.

Keep an eye on our Atlanta United transfer tracker as we update it with the latest roster news and rumors throughout the 2024 offseason.

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5 Comments

[…] Re-signed some players on more beneficial and cost-effective contracts. […]

Gravityshack

If he’s our starting anything next season, it’s a bad omen

Grey Gowder

He will probably be the opening-day starter at right-back and will fill that role until Lennon is healthy enough to play full matches.

Mic

I hope the club got a 50% salary reduction.

[…] Atlanta United re-sign Ronald Hernandez through 2025, option for 2026 […]

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