Atlanta United appears to be looking to a familiar place for its latest signing.
Paulo Díaz, a centerback at River Plate since 2019, will sign with Atlanta, according to journalist Germán García Grova. Per Grova, Díaz, whose contract with River extends through December 2027, has received an early release from his deal in favor of signing for the Five Stripes while adding that a physical was completed on Monday.
Diaz, 31, is naturally right-footed, but can play on either side of a two-man CB pairing. He’s also played at right back and center back.
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A Chilean international, Diaz has been capped 51 times for his country, playing briefly with former Atlanta United midfielder Carlos Carmona. His professional career began at Palestino in 2013 before his move to Colo Colo in 2015. He then played in Argentina for San Lorenzo from 2016-2018 and spent a season in the Saudi Pro League, but returned to Argentina in 2019 after signing with River Plate.
If the name rings a bell, it’s because Atlanta, along with Austin FC, was interested in Diaz in the fall of 2024. Signing with Austin would have reunited him with his fellow national teammate, Diego Rubio. Ultimately, he remained at River.
Let us know what you think of the potential move in the comments, but this one looks imminent.
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Does he have legs at 31? If so, then great, the maturity level will be valuable on a shaky back line with young right and left backs. If the legs are going, I have real concerns – we saw that Berrocal’s speed was a massive weakness for a system that too often leaves us exposed. A slower CB requires Stian to be the partner, which is never something I bet money on (the being in the field part that is). Mihaj just doesn’t have it. Speaking of Mihaj, I hope this isn’t the last move we make at CB…
Normally he would be an upgrade over Berrocal, but he hasn’t had regular playing time since March and is coming off a recent muscle tear. This is giving me Abram vibes, may be another overpaid CB.