Atlanta signs Latte Lath for reported MLS-record $22M fee

Atlanta United signed Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough on Tuesday, completing what is reportedly the most expensive transfer in Major League Soccer history.

The MLS side paid an initial $22 million for the Ivorian striker, sources told ESPN, surpassing the reported $16.2-million fee that FC Cincinnati paid to land Kevin Denkey in November.

The 26-year-old signed a Designated Player contract until 2028 with Atlanta.

Latte Lath scored 29 goals in 67 appearances for English Championship club Middlesbrough over the past two seasons. His arrival is the second big splash made by Atlanta in quick succession after the club brought fan favorite Miguel Almiron back from Newcastle earlier in the winter window.

"We're excited to sign Latte Lath and look forward to welcoming him to the club and the city of Atlanta," sporting director Chris Henderson said. "He's a forward with excellent pace and good goal-scoring instincts. His ability to stretch the field will add another dimension to our attack.

"At 26 years old, he's entering the prime years of his career and has already shown his goal-scoring ability in multiple leagues in Europe."

Latte Lath immediately fills the void up front that was created when striker Giorgos Giakoumakis left for Mexican outfit Cruz Azul, giving new head coach Ronny Deila a recognized No. 9 going into the 2025 season.