Breel Embolo set to join Atlanta United – One of the biggest deals in MLS history

For €17m 

Atlanta United are set to sign Swiss World Cup star Breel Embolo from Stade Rennais FC. Ouest-France reported on Friday that Atlanta United have triggered the exit clause in Embolo’s contract. The 29-year-old striker will join the Major League Soccer club in a deal worth €17 million. A deal of that size will make Embolo the fourth most expensive signing in MLS history.

Embolo joins Atlanta United after scoring eight goals and three assists in 31 Ligue 1 games last season for Stade Rennes. Embolo was also a star at the World Cup, scoring two goals and providing two assists in six games. Indeed, Embolo was one of the main reasons Switzerland reached the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated against Argentina (3-1 AET). In that game, Embolo was sent off in a controversial fashion, a decision IFAB later admitted was a mistake.

After the World Cup, the market for Embolo was strong. Signed for just €13m from league competitor Monaco last summer, the striker has been linked to Premier League sides Bournemouth, Hull City, Ipswich Town, and Serie A clubs Como, Milan, and Napoli in the Transfermarkt rumour mill. Ultimately, Atlanta have now won the race to sign the striker.

Embolo to Atlanta United – Once one of the brightest prospects in Europe

Once considered one of the brightest prospects in European Football, Embolo has had a career of ups and downs. Ten years ago, several European top teams battled to sign the emerging Basel star. Ultimately, Schalke won the race to sign Embolo for €26.5m. But a significant ankle injury meant Embolo never fulfilled his promise in Gelsenkirchen (injury history). A move to Gladbach for €11m followed in 2019. In Gladbach, Embolo became a solid Bundesliga forward, scoring 25 goals and 20 assists in 105 games across all competitions.

In 2022, Embolo left Germany for France. Ligue 1 seemed to suit Embolo a bit better. Dynamic and fast, but having lost some of his ability to cut and change direction quickly after his ankle injury in 2016, Embolo managed 27 goals in 97 Ligue 1 games. A rate that was slightly better than his 32 goals in 136 Bundesliga games. It will be interesting to see how his scoring rate will translate to MLS. But with his pace and directness, Embolo can be a significant asset for an MLS club.