Atlanta United have confirmed the switch of center-back Stian Gregersen from Ligue 2 side Bordeaux on a four-year contract by way of the 2027 MLS marketing campaign with an choice for 2028.
Gregersen’s arrival is the third signing of the winter switch window for the Five Stripes, and it is a much-needed addition to a protection that conceded 53 objectives within the 2023 common season, the sixth-most in MLS.
The 28-year-old joins after spending the previous two-and-a-half seasons at Bordeaux, the place he made 75 appearances for the French membership and added two objectives and an help. Bordeaux had been relegated in his first season with the membership in 2021/2022, as they completed within the backside of Ligue 1 and completed in third place within the French second division, simply lacking out on promotion again to the highest flight.
“Stian has been a consistent performer across multiple leagues and is comfortable defending with space behind him, as well as in an organized block,” Atlanta United vp and technical director Carlos Bocaengra stated in a launch.
“He is someone who reads the game well, has a presence, and helps command the back line through organization and leadership. We are excited for him to join Atlanta United and bolster our defense.”
Atlanta United’s entrance workplace continues to stack the Five Stripes’ protection with the departure of free agent center-back Miles Robinson to FC Cincinnati. Atlanta has already signed goalkeeper Josh Cohen, who’s anticipated to compete with Brad Guzan for the beginning job, and the signing of Gregersen spells out a possible partnership between Luis Abram and the previous Ligue 1 defender.
Gregersen’s skilled profession began out in Molde in his native Norway, the place he went out on mortgage to Kristiansund BK in 2015 (30 appearances, one purpose) earlier than getting an opportunity with the Molde first group in 2016.
After two years within the Norwegian first division, he was then loaned out to Elfsborg in 2019 (26 appearances, one purpose) earlier than returning to Molde in January 2020. In August 2021, he departed Molde for Bordeaux in a everlasting transfer. He made 98 appearances for Molde following each mortgage strikes away from the membership, registering 4 objectives and three assists as a defender.
Gergersen represents Norway at worldwide stage and has made eight appearances for his nation since 2020, most just lately that includes in a pleasant in opposition to Faroe Islands on November 16 of final 12 months.
Prior to signing Gregersen, Atlanta chosen former DC United center-back Derrick Williams within the MLS Re-Entry draft, and there have been rumors swirling round that the membership have come to an settlement with the Aston Villa academy product. The Five Stripes are additionally reportedly within the last phases of signing Poland worldwide midfielder Bartosz Slisz from Legia Warsaw.
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