Gonzalo Plata: the South American gem that can arrive in Atlanta United

The start of the 2022 MLS Season is just a couple weeks away from starting, but teams are still building their rosters the best they can in order to pursue the 2022 MLS Championship. New York City FC will try to defend their crown, but other teams are set to take it away from them.

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Although clubs are already having some friendly matches during preseason, most of them are still on the market, looking for the best available players to fill their needs in order to have the most well-rounded roster for the upcoming season.

That’s what’s happening with Atlanta United, as recently Gonzalo Pineda said that Jürgen Damm in not in plans for the Five Stripes. Now, the 29-year-old must look for another team if he wants to keep playing, even if contractual disputes are preventing him from leaving ATL as a free agent.

Why does Atlanta United are trying to get rid of him?

The Mexican right-winger is taking a lot of space in the salary cap, which is preventing Atlanta United from signing new players that are younger than him, like Gonzalo Plata, who currently plays in Spanish second flight with Real Valladolid.

Damm has played only 24 games in the two seasons he’s been part of Atlanta, showing that he’s not the player that the Five Stripes need, as he’s only managed to score one goal and assist on four occasions, way far from what’s expected of him, especially when he earns $1.5 million per year.

Who is Gonzalo Plata?

Gonzalo Plata has impressed everyone with his skills and abilities since debuting with Independiente del Valle back in 2018. After just one season playing in Ecuador’s top flight, Primeira Liga side Sporting SP acquired him for $1.3 million.

Although his loan finishes at the end of the current season, Atlanta United could offer $6 million to acquire the Ecuador international from Sporting SC, given that he plays on the same position as Jürgen Damm, but his addition to ATL UTD will be an instant upgrade, not only because he’s younger but also more talented and potentially will be one of the best wingers in the next few years.

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