The World Cup may be in full swing, but that hasn’t stopped another transfer rumor involving Atlanta United from emerging.
According to Argentine journalist Sebastian Srur, Atlanta United is keen to sign River Plate midfielder Giuliano Galoppo, with Srur adding that “next week, there will be news.” Galoppo, 26, was loaned from São Paulo to River in 2025 before River purchased him outright for $3.6 million.
Galoppo went through the Boca Juniors and Banfield academies before signing a senior team deal with Banfield in 2018. In July 2022, he signed for São Paulo, but a knee injury in 2023 sidelined him for the entire Serié A campaign. In 2024, further injuries — coupled with limited action when he was healthy — eventually led to his loan to River Plate.
While Galoppo’s role is primarily that of a No. 8, he’s been deployed as a defensive midfielder and even as a No. 10. With MatÃas Galarza returning to River after the World Cup, Tata Martino appears to have identified an immediate replacement. However, his previous injury concerns raise some question marks.
Galoppo is the second significant transfer rumor tied to Atlanta United within the past few weeks. Reports have also linked Paraguay international Júnior Alonso to the club after his departure from Atlético Miniero.
What are your thoughts? Let us know down in the comments.
Every week, Scarves and Spikes brings you original interviews, on-site coverage, live shows/podcasts, and the analysis you won’t find at the bigger national outlets. With 2026 being a World Cup year, Atlanta United facing yet another important transfer window, the U.S. Soccer National Training Center setting up shop in the Atlanta area, and NWSL Atlanta kicking off in 2028, your support helps us do even more.
What you get on Patreon:
- Atlanta United training ground updates
- Discord access — talk Atlanta soccer with the SnS team and other supporters
- Patreon-only mailbags
- Grey Gowder’s analytical deep-dives on roster construction, the academy, ATL UTD 2, and more
Start your free trial
Crazy how there is still no CB rumors…Tata is really just obsessed with midfielders…
Isn’t Junior Alonso a CB?
Though I agree looking at another 8 feels weird to me. I’m not opposed to a 10, though I feel like we have some other pieces to move before we get that.
he is, but I think we need to add at least 2 CBs this window to have some CB depth for the rest of this season. Unless there is a CB with our academy or 2s that will be able to play for the first team now.
Agree, in theory Alonso is basically just a replacement for Berrocal and we need at least one more CB
I think a semi-functional pro soccer team will always carry at least 4 CBs on their roster. Obviously not counting the one or two fullbacks who are “capable” of playing CB.
Hopefully, a good replacement for Galarza. Based on the amount paid by River Plate last year, unless we are getting rid of a DP, this will be a loan with option to purchase.