With Emmanuel Latte Lath potentially no longer in Atlanta United’s plans, could the club already have a replacement in mind?
According to Ben Jacobs, Atlanta is one of several teams interested in Switzerland international Breel Embolo. Embolo scored two goals and added two assists during the World Cup for Switzerland, which appeared in the tournament’s quarterfinal for the first time in its history. Hull City and Ipswich Town, both freshly promoted to the Premier League, are also in on the 29-year-old, as well as “multiple Serie A clubs.” A possible deal would be worth over $17M.
Embolo has just wrapped up his first season at Stade Rennais, which he joined after three seasons at Monaco. At Rennes, he totaled 10g/3a in 34 matches across all competitions. Prior to that, at Monaco, he was good for 22g/13a in 89 matches at Monaco, with his best season, 2022-23, ending with him on 14g/4a. He has also appeared in the UEFA Champions League with FC Basel, Schalke, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Monaco.
With Switzerland, Embolo has 26 goals and 20 assists in 96 caps, including the pair of goals and assists he scored during the World Cup. He opened his account for the tournament with a penalty in Switzerland’s group stage match against Qatar before assisting against both Bosnia and Canada. In the Round of 32 against Algeria, his 10th-minute goal helped lead the Swiss to a 2-0 victory. But his tournament — and Switzerland’s tournament — came to an end against eventual runners-up Argentina as he was shown a second yellow card in the 72nd minute for simulation after a VAR check. Switzerland, which was level with Argentina at that point, went on to lose 3-1 in extra time.
This would be an intriguing signing for Atlanta United. Embolo has demonstrated an ability to contribute at the highest levels of the sport throughout his career. At 29, he’s not a young player, but he’s certainly not at the back end of his career, either. It appears that any deal, though, hinges on what happens with Latte Lath, who has been nothing short of a disappointment with Atlanta United in his nearly 18 months in MLS.
Do we really need to go after another expensive striker? Atlanta has not done well in signing DP level strikers, so mind as well just go after a cheap or young striker.
Especially given there are better options at this price point that aren’t influenced by the World Cup bump. Speaking of WC, there could still be lingering visa issues here too.