Atlanta United sends Ronald Hernández to Timbers in deadline day trade

So long, Rocket Ronnie.

The Five Stripes have made a second move on this final day of the MLS transfer window, sending the long-tenured player to the Portland Timbers for $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money and up to an additional $100,000 in 2027 GAM with incentives. The trade comes after the earlier signing of midfielder Giuliano Galoppo, who joins the team on loan from River Plate.

Hernández joined Atlanta United prior to the 2021 season, initially on loan from Scottish club Aberdeen. Hernández made his debut on July 3rd, and scored his first goal for the club shortly after on July 21st in a 1-1 draw against FC Cincinnati. The Venezuelan right back was brought in on a permanent deal that offseason, and has gone on to make 97 total appearances for the club across all competitions in his over five years with the club.

In his time with the Five Stripes, Ronald Hernández proved to be a versatile option in the back line, a Swiss army knife of a player who was able to step into the squad when called upon. Hernández was, until now, the most veteran player on the Atlanta United roster, and his value was shown through his ability to remain with the club through six different managerial stints (counting Rob Valentino’s interim tenures as two).

This season, Hernández hasn’t had a starting role in the roster, with Tata Martino’s U-22 fullback additions making his service less in demand. However, recent injuries to the Timbers’ fullbacks Brandon Bye and Juan Mosquera has made him a valuable add for the remainder of this season and potentially beyond.

Barring any further moves from Atlanta United, this marks the thirteenth total player movement in what has been a busy summer transfer window for an organization that has shown how it feels about the state of the season. Hopefully, greater things are still on the horizon for both Hernández and for the Five Stripes.