Atlanta United Signs Defender Enea Mihaj Through 2028 Season

ATLANTA (July 2, 2025) – Atlanta United announced today it has signed Albanian international defender Enea Mihaj on a free transfer. The 26-year-old center back joins the club after spending the last three seasons with FC Famalicão in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. Mihaj has signed a contract through the 2028 MLS season with an option for 2029.

Mihaj (pronounced Mee-high) will occupy an international roster spot pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa. He will be eligible to play once the MLS Secondary Transfer Window opens on July 24.

“We’re pleased to welcome Enea to the club and are looking forward to integrating him into the group ahead of the second half of our season,” said Atlanta United Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “He’s a physical center back and a vocal leader with experience from multiple leagues in Europe. We expect him to play an important role and add competition to our backline.”

During his time with FC Famalicão, Mihaj started 81 of his 82 appearances across all competitions, including 72 matches in Portugal’s top division. He recorded an assist against Vitória Guimarães this past season, starting all 29 of his appearances in 2024-25.

Born in Berat, Albania, Mihaj moved to Greece as a child and developed in the Panetolikos GFS academy, eventually making 49 first-team appearances in Greece’s first division. He transferred to PAOK ahead of the 2019-20 season, where he made 34 appearances, scored his first professional goal in a 1-0 playoff win over Olympiacos, and won the Greek Cup in 2020-21. Mihaj also featured in seven matches during PAOK’s run to the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals in 2021-22.

Internationally, Mihaj has been capped 19 times by Albania, making his senior debut in a UEFA Nations League match against Scotland on Sept. 10, 2018.

With Mihaj’s arrival, Atlanta United’s defensive corps gains an experienced, physical presence as the team looks to strengthen its backline heading into the critical stretch of the MLS season.