Ronald Hernandez will return to Atlanta United.
Atlanta announced on Monday morning that the veteran right back has re-signed with the club through the 2026 season, with an option through 2027. It makes Hernandez, who initially came over on loan from Aberdeen in 2021 before signing a permanent deal in 2022, the club’s longest-tenured active player.
Hernandez has weathered some of the lowest points in Atlanta United history. Although he has been a somewhat polarizing player during his time here, the Venezuelan international was a steady performer in 2025, playing in 21 matches and starting 16 in place of Brooks Lennon. Atlanta ultimately declined to pick up his option for the 2026 season but remained in negotiations with him before coming to a deal; it remains to be seen what his budget charge for 2026 will be in relation to the $290,750 he made in 2025.
Looking ahead to 2026, Atlanta is set to start Tomás Jacob at right back or on the right side of a back three after signing the U22 Initiative player from Necaxa. He’ll now have a player behind him in Hernandez, who can not only speak the language but will be able to provide a veteran’s perspective of life in MLS and with Atlanta.
What do you think of the move? Let us know down in the comments. And be sure to bookmark our Atlanta United transfer tracker for the latest transfer news and rumors as they come in.
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[…] Ronald Hernandez re-signs with Atlanta United for 2026, with option through 2027 […]
[…] Ronald Hernandez re-signs with Atlanta United for 2026, with option through 2027 […]
I think it’s a smart signing to keep some MLS veterans on the roster and people with history. He can do RB, LB, or even some CB work as needed too and is just a good depth piece.
As long as he isn’t starting, sure.
Will he be able to return from Toronto/Montreal on his Venezuelan visa?
pretty sure Hernandez has a green card, so he doesn’t even eat up an international slot
Correct, he’s just a senior, not an international.
That doesn’t mean he’s safe here.
Still hoping for some more CB depth signing since preseason is right around the corner.
Okay with this – not a “star” by any means, but he a very serviceable and dependable player.
Yeah, he’s a solid player off the bench who can play 2 or 3 positions, in a pinch. Pretty good value for the money we were paying him, and I wouldn’t expect this deal to be more than he was making previously (but we’ll see, of course).
Heart and soul of the team. Good signing