Atlanta United Signs Forward Latte Lath from Middlesbrough FC

Atlanta United has announced the signing of forward Latte Lath from Middlesbrough FC of the English Football League Championship. Lath has signed a contract through the 2028 MLS season, with an option for 2029. He will occupy a Designated Player and international roster spot, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.

“We’re excited to sign Latte Lath and look forward to welcoming him to the club and the city of Atlanta,” said Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director. “He’s a forward with excellent pace and good goal-scoring instincts. His ability to stretch the field will add another dimension to our attack. At 26 years old, he’s entering the prime years of his career and has already shown his goal-scoring ability in multiple leagues in Europe.”

Lath, 26, brings a prolific goal-scoring record to Atlanta. He scored 29 goals and provided four assists in 67 appearances across all competitions for Middlesbrough. After transferring from Serie A side Atalanta on August 15, 2023, he emerged as Middlesbrough’s top scorer during the 2023-24 season, netting 16 goals in 30 Championship matches and adding two more in the EFL Cup. His strong finish to the season, which included eight goals in the last six league matches, earned him the EFL Championship Player of the Month award for April.

This season, Lath has maintained his scoring form, leading Middlesbrough with 11 goals in 29 Championship appearances, including a memorable hat trick in a 6-2 victory over Oxford United on November 23, 2024.

Before his time in England, Lath showcased his talent during a successful loan spell at FC St. Gallen in Switzerland’s top division during the 2022-23 season. He scored 14 goals and added four assists in 31 Swiss Super League matches, finishing the season strong with six goals in the club’s final four league games. He also contributed two goals in three Swiss Cup appearances.

Lath began his professional journey with Atalanta’s academy in 2015 and made his First Team debut in a Coppa Italia match on August 13, 2016. Over the next several years, he gained experience on loan with various Serie B and Serie C teams, capping his time in Italy with three goals in 18 appearances for SPAL during the 2021-22 season.

On the international stage, the Ivory Coast native has made two senior national team appearances, debuting on June 7, 2024, in a 2026 World Cup Qualification match against Gabon. Ivory Coast currently holds first place in Group F and an automatic qualifying position.

Lath’s arrival is expected to bolster Atlanta United’s attack with his pace, scoring instincts, and versatility, as the club aims to build on its recent successes in MLS.