Atlanta United Trades Saba Lobjanidze to Real Salt Lake

ATLANTA — Atlanta United has made another roster move ahead of the second half of the 2026 MLS season, acquiring up to $725,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from Real Salt Lake in exchange for winger Saba Lobjanidze and the club’s third-round selection in the 2028 MLS SuperDraft.

The deal includes $625,000 in guaranteed GAM for 2026, with Atlanta eligible to receive an additional $100,000 in 2027 GAM if Lobjanidze re-signs with Real Salt Lake.

Lobjanidze joined Atlanta United in August 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most productive attacking players. During his time in Atlanta, the Georgian international appeared in 93 MLS and MLS Cup Playoff matches, totaling 15 goals and 21 assists while providing speed and creativity on the wing.

His departure marks the end of a successful three-year stint with the Five Stripes, where he became a consistent contributor in the attack and a fan favorite for his relentless work rate and ability to create scoring opportunities.

For Atlanta United, the move provides valuable roster flexibility through the addition of allocation money, one of Major League Soccer’s most important roster-building assets. General Allocation Money can be used to reduce a player’s budget charge, acquire new talent, or facilitate future trades, giving clubs greater flexibility as they shape their rosters.

The transaction also signals Atlanta United’s continued commitment to building for both the remainder of the 2026 season and the future. By adding significant GAM, the club gains additional financial flexibility while opening opportunities for new attacking options as the transfer window continues.

Following the trade, Atlanta United’s roster now stands at 27 players.

Atlanta United Roster (As of July 1, 2026)

Goalkeepers (2): Jayden Hibbert, Lucas Hoyos

Defenders (9): Pedro Amador, Elías Báez, Dominik Chong Qui, Matthew Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Tomás Jacob, Enea Mihaj, Kaiden Moore*.

Midfielders (10): Miguel Almirón, Steven Alzate, Jay Fortune, Adrian Gill, Alexey Miranchuk, Tristan Muyumba, Santiago Pita, Will Reilly, Cooper Sanchez, Adyn Torres.

Forwards (6): Luke Brennan, Ashton Gordon**, Latte Lath, Fafa Picault, Sergio Santos, Cayman Togashi.

*Kaiden Moore is on loan with the Philadelphia Union through Dec. 31, 2026.

**Ashton Gordon is on loan with Chattanooga FC through Dec. 31, 2026.

As Atlanta United continues navigating the MLS season, the additional allocation money gives the club increased flexibility to strengthen its roster while Real Salt Lake adds an experienced winger who has proven he can make an impact in Major League Soccer.