MLS side Atlanta United have announced the addition of Russian attacking midfielder Alexey Miranchuk, who joined the club after the sale of Thiago Almada.
Alexey Miranchuk was formally introduced on Tuesday, August 20 about three weeks after Atlanta formally acquired the veteran midfielder from Italian Serie A side Atalanta in July.
The 28-year-old midfielder arrives after the Five Stripes’ summer selling spree, which included World Cup winner Thiago Almada joining Brazilian top-flight side Botafogo.
Miranchuk has signed a contract until 2027 with an extension option for 2028, with reports suggesting that the fee is around $13M, making it one of the highest in the league’s history.
Alexey Miranchuk made shocking revelation on why he joined Atalanta
The newest member of the 5-Stripes will likely make his debut in the city on Sunday, August 25 and on Tuesday, August 20, he addressed the Atlanta media for the first time.
Miranchuk’s sharp humor was evident from the start of the press conference, as he responded to Doug Roberson’s question about why he chose Atlanta.
Rising star Miranchuk discusses love for Atlanta’s music scene when asked why he signed with the MLS club. Miranchuk responded: “Because I love hip-hop.”
Miranchuk followed up his answer by naming some of his favorite rappers, a thorough list that included Future, Lil Baby and Offset.
Despite never having visited the United States before, Miranchuk detailed his decision to join Atlanta, citing his excitement for the city’s cultural offerings and promising future in the music industry.
He added: “I’ve always wanted to learn more about culture and see other places, and this is the right place.”
“The league is growing, and there are a lot of quality players and great players that play here, and many more are coming. … It’s the right timing, and this is the right place to be.”
Miranchuk played in 98 matches for Atalanta, scoring 13 goals and providing 19 assists, ultimately aiding the club in clinching the UEFA Europa League title in 2023-24.
He is now anticipated to play a key role in the team’s offensive lineup alongside Georgian winger Saba Lobjanidze and strikers Daniel Ríos and Jamal Thiaré.
Vice President Bocanegra Hints at Bright Future for Club with Latest Acquisition
Despite not meeting expectations in 2024, Atlanta are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference and on pace to make another appearance in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra is confident that the club will bounce back with the positive impact of their recent signings.
He said: “We feel like we have a good group. We haven’t been able to put it together consistently through the year. But with a little bit of help here coming in and some reinforcements, so to speak, we’re looking forward to that.
“Originally, our goals were to try to finish in the top four in the East at the beginning of the season.”
Who is Alexey Miranchuk?
Alexey Miranchuk is a Russian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or striker for Major League Soccer club Atlanta United and the Russia national team.
His professional career
Young Russian footballer, Miranchuk, has had an impressive career trajectory since making his debut for Lokomotiv Moscow in the Russian Premier League at the age of 17.
After joining 2023/24 Europa League Champions Atalanta in 2020 for €15m, Miranchuk showcased his skills by appearing in 56 matches and scoring nine goals over two seasons before joining Torino on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Over all, he has made more than 370 appearances across Europe with the likes of Lokomotiv Moscow, Torino FC – and most recently, Atalanta in Serie A.
He has 46 senior caps with his national team, where he’s scored seven goals since his international debut in 2014.
What’s next?
Alexey Miranchuk is likely to make his debut for Atalanta in the MLS match against LA Galaxy on Sunday, August 25. The match will take place at Dignity Health Sport Park with kickoff set at 03:30 GMT.
The 28-year-old will surely have a great time in Atalanta, combining the excitement of United States music and football. What are your thoughts on this? Please share your opinion in the comments section below.
