Atlanta United Signs Portuguese Defender Through 2026 Season

Atlanta United announced the signing of Portuguese defender Pedro Amador on a free transfer. The contract runs through the 2026 MLS season, with an option for 2027. Amador, who previously played for Moreirense in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, will join the team once his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa are received. He will occupy an international roster spot and be eligible to play when the MLS Secondary Transfer Window opens on July 18.

Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra expressed excitement about the signing, highlighting Amador’s leadership and experience. At 25, Amador has played over 100 matches in Portugal, including a stint as team captain.

Amador has made 114 professional appearances in Portugal’s first and second divisions with Moreirense and SC Braga, recording two goals and nine assists. He began his youth career at Sporting CP and spent time at Sacavenense and Belenenses before joining 1° Dezembro in 2017. He moved to SC Braga B in 2018 and made his professional debut in Portugal’s second division that year.

In August 2020, Amador transferred to Moreirense, where he made 80 appearances over four seasons. In the 2023-24 season, he set career highs with 21 appearances and 14 starts in Portugal’s first division, helping Moreirense finish sixth in the league.

Pedro Amador’s signing was announced on July 1, 2024.

Atlanta United roster (as of July 1, 2024)

Goalkeepers (3): Josh Cohen, Brad Guzan, Quentin Westberg  

Defenders (10): Luis Abram, Pedro Amador, Noah Cobb, Matt Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Brooks Lennon, Efraín Morales, Caleb Wiley, Derrick Williams

Midfielders (10): Thiago Almada, Nick Firmino, Jay Fortune, Saba Lobjanidze, Dax McCarty, Edwin Mosquera, Tristan Muyumba, Bartosz Slisz, Adyn Torres, Tyler Wolff

Forwards (4): Luke Brennan, Daniel Ríos*, Xande Silva, Jamal Thiaré    

*On loan from CD Guadalajara  

Loaned Out for 2024 season: Franco Ibarra (Rosario Central), Santiago Sosa (Racing Club), Erik Centeno (ATL UTD 2), Aiden McFadden (Louisville City FC)