Atlanta United acquired speedy Mexican winger Jurgen Damm.
Damm, 27, will come on a free transfer because his contract with Tigres expired Tuesday. He will join the team in August.
Atlanta United’s next game will be against the New York Red Bulls on July 11 in Orlando.
Damm made 172 appearances for Tigres with 13 goals and 23 assists. He also has 12 appearances for the Mexican national team. He primarily played as a right winger for his club with 107 appearances.
“It’s exciting to add a player with Jürgen’s pedigree and winning mentality, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club,” Atlanta United Vice President Carlos Bocanegra said in the club’s statement about the acquisition. “He’s excelled in Liga MX, as well on the international level with the Mexican National Team, and we believe he can make an immediate impact in MLS. Jürgen is versatile to play on either wing, and with his pace and ability to beat defenders 1v1 to deliver a cross, he gives us another valuable weapon in our attack.”
Damm is considered the second-fastest player in the world, according to study done by Mexican club Pachuca, whose research was supported by FIFA.
Several outlets reported months ago that Damm agreed to sign with an MLS club. Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer was asked about Damm before the team's Champions League at Club America in March. De Boer said he hadn't heard if Atlanta United had contacted Damm, but thought he would thrive in MLS.
Atlanta United sent $50,000 in General Allocation Money to Houston for Damm’s Discovery rights in MLS.
The Five Stripes are thin at right attacking winger. Brooks Lennon and Franco Escobar are better suited as wingbacks or fullbacks. The team has Manuel Castro, whose loan from Estudiantes was just extended. Jon Gallagher’s loan with Aberdeen recently ended, and he re-joined the squad. Andrew Carleton and Lagos Kunga are on season-long loans to Indianapolis and Memphis, respectively.
To clear an International spot on its roster, the team waived Luiz Fernando.
Damm’s speed and running style and that he’s predominantly one-footed (right) remind one a little bit of former Atlanta United player Miguel Almiron, who was sold by the club to Newcastle before the 2019 season.
Damm’s career began in 2012 with Tecos, where he made 25 appearances, before he was loaned to Pachuca, where he made 71 appearances with five goals and seven assists. He has been part of five title winning sides in LIGA MX.
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