A few days after the rumor dropped, Atlanta United have completed their signing of Necaxa’s Tomás Jacob. The young defender signs for an undisclosed fee on a U-22 deal, marking the Five Stripe’s first incoming utilization of that particular roster mechanism since signing Edwin Mosquera in July of 2022. The initial report from Tom Bogert noted the transfer fee in the realm of $5 million. The contract runs through the 2028-29 season with option years through the 2030-31 season.
The Argentine is a dynamic defender who fills a need on Atlanta’s depth chart at right back and center back. Tata Martino made it clear when we attended his initial press conference that he continues to highly value players who can cover a variety of positional needs. Jacob has spent much of his young career as a true center back, with about a quarter of his professional appearances at right back and a couple of cameos as a number 6. Fully expect him, though, to primarily compete for starting minutes on the right flank.
“Tomás is a talented young player with the versatility to play in multiple positions and we’re excited to watch his development continue with Atlanta United,” Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “He’s going to add competition to the backline and is well suited for Tata’s style of play. We look forward to welcoming him to the club and the city of Atlanta.”
Jacob is a product of Tata’s former home in Argentina, Newell’s Old Boys, and his signing comes only a week after the Five Stripes picked up veteran goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos from the same club.
Welcome to Atlanta, Tomás Jacob!
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not saying he is a Larentowicz, but if he is successful in being multiple positional like Jeff Larentowicz, that will do wonders for the team.
Felt like from the beginning this would be a good signing, and finally using the u22 slots. A guy who can play multiple positions is very attractive too, especially if we need a defending RB or a pair of central defending mids. If we can get some movement in the midfield with ball controlling and line breaking passes, however, that would make me more comfortable going into next season. I believe ATL had the least amount of line breaking passes in the league at one point (someone can probably fact check that).
This is what can happen when you hire the coach before signing new players. Glad we are doing it this way now.
With the injuries and international duty of our cbs, this is a huge position of need. Love the u-22 deal for this guy
Given the low cap charge, should be a good signing
[…] Atlanta United finalize U22 deal for defender Tomás Jacob […]