Atlanta United continues to lean into their pipeline for emerging talent to bolster the squad in the future, and this time around the recipient of a homegrown contract is the academy’s James Donaldson. The young goalkeeper will become a homegrown first team signing in January of 2027, and will spend the interim with Atlanta United 2.
Our very own Grey Gowder wrote a great summary of Donaldson when Tom Bogert first dropped the rumor a couple of weeks ago. Donaldson is the latest in a group of up-and-coming talent that Atlanta’s pipeline has produced in the past couple of seasons, joining names like Kaiden Moore and Cooper Sanchez on homegrown contracts.
From Atlanta United:
“James has displayed tremendous growth since his arrival at the Academy, and this is another step forward for him as he continues his development,” said Atlanta United Director of Methodology Javier Peréz. “We are very excited to see another exciting Academy prospect take the next step forward in their career. We are looking forward to watching James continue on the pathway from the Academy, to the second team and on to the First Team.”
The 16-year-old joined the Atlanta United Academy from NTH NASA in August 2021 as part of the U-13 squad. In 2025 as part of the U-16 Academy team, Donaldson had seven shutouts in his 1,966 minutes played. In the 2025 Generation adidas Cup, the Woodstock-resident was a part of the U-16 team that made it to the semifinal, defeating Minnesota United’s U-16 team and Liga MX side Club América along the way. Donaldson was awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his performance. Internationally, Donaldson has represented the U.S. U-15 Youth National Team on multiple occasions. He is also eligible for England.
As one piece moves up, it tends to shake up the overall depth chart throughout the club, as well. This move likely opens up a chance for Jonathan Ransom to possibly snag a 2’s contract and force some more competition throughout the goalkeeper corp.
Regardless, congratulations are in order for James Donaldson!
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