Atlanta United Adds Young Midfielder Mauricio Amaro Through 2028-29 Season

Atlanta United is adding another young piece to its midfield.

The club announced Friday that it has signed Mauricio Amaro from Defensor Sporting Club to a contract through the 2028-29 season, with an option for the 2029-30 season.

Amaro will occupy both a U-22 Initiative roster spot and an international roster spot, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.

The 21-year-old midfielder arrives in Atlanta with a reputation for toughness, ball-winning ability and confidence in possession.

“We’re excited to add a top young talent like Mauricio to Atlanta United,” Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “He’s a player who will strengthen our midfield with his tackling, ball winning, competitiveness and ability to drive forward and split lines in possession. We look forward to welcoming him to the club.”

Amaro began his professional career with Defensor Sporting Club after progressing through the club’s youth system.

The Montevideo native made his Uruguayan first-division debut at just 17 years old on June 18, 2023, against Wanderers.

Since then, he has developed into a regular contributor.

Amaro made 64 appearances across all competitions for Defensor Sporting Club, logging more than 4,300 minutes and recording two assists.

His role continued to grow over the past two seasons.

In 2025, Amaro started 21 of his 31 league appearances. In 2026, he started all 20 of his appearances and recorded one assist.

He was also part of Defensor Sporting Club’s 2024 Uruguayan Cup championship team, starting three matches and contributing one assist during the tournament.

At the international level, Amaro has represented Uruguay’s U-20 national team, making five appearances since his debut in 2024.

The signing gives Atlanta another young midfield option as the club continues to build for both the present and future.

At 5-foot-10, Amaro brings a defensive edge to the midfield but also gives Atlanta another player capable of carrying the ball forward and helping break defensive lines.

That combination could prove valuable for a Five Stripes team looking for more consistency and balance in the middle of the field.

Amaro joins a midfield group that includes Miguel Almirón, Steven Alzate, Jay Fortune, Alexey Miranchuk, Tristan Muyumba, Santiago Pita, Will Reilly, Cooper Sanchez and Adyn Torres.

For Atlanta, this move is about more than adding depth.

Using a U-22 Initiative slot on Amaro shows the club believes he can develop into an important long-term piece while still making an impact now.

The Five Stripes will look to get their newest midfielder integrated into the group as quickly as possible once his paperwork is completed.

Atlanta United returns home on Saturday, August 15, when it hosts the New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

For a club still searching for momentum, a fresh face in the midfield could be arriving at exactly the right time.