Atlanta United today announced it has signed defender Ronald Hernández on loan for the duration of the 2021 season from Aberdeen FC. The Venezuelan has made 17 national team appearances and will occupy an international roster spot pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
“Ronald is a young, talented defender and we’re pleased to add him to our roster,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “Like many international players, he had to endure difficult circumstances over the last year and we’re eager to give him an opportunity to compete in a new environment.”
Hernández, 23, began his professional career with Zamora FC of the Venezuelan Primera División where he played from 2015-17. He signed with Norwegian club Stabæk in August of 2017 where he spent three seasons and made 61 appearances across all competitions. Hernández became a regular starter in 2019 when he made 27 appearances in Eliteserien play and totaled four assists.
Hernández moved to Aberdeen in January 2020 and made two appearances at the end of the 2019-2020 season. He made four appearances during the 2020-21 Premiership season prior to joining Atlanta United.
Hernández made his debut with the Venezuelan National Team as a starter in a World Cup Qualifying match against Paraguay on October 11, 2017. Hernández played every match for Venezuela during the 2019 Copa América, alongside now-teammate Josef Martínez, where he started against Argentina in the quarterfinals. He also played every minute of the 2017 U-20 World Cup in South Korea where Venezuela reached the finals.
Player Profile
Name: Ronald Hernández
Position: Defender
Height: 5-8
Weight: 165
Birthdate: Sept. 21, 1997 (23)
Birthplace: Barinas, Venezuela
Nationality: Venezuela
Transaction: Atlanta United signs Ronald Hernández on loan from Aberdeen FC on February 18, 2021.
2021 Atlanta United roster (as of Feb. 18, 2021)
Goalkeepers (2): Brad Guzan, Alec Kann
Defenders (9): Mikey Ambrose, George Bello, George Campbell, Franco Escobar, Ronald Hernández, Brooks Lennon, Fernando Meza, Efrain Morales, Miles Robinson, Anton Walkes
Midfielders (10): Mo Adams, Ezequiel Barco, Machop Chol, Jürgen Damm, Emerson Hyndman, Marcelino Moreno, Jake Mulraney, Matheus Rossetto, Santiago Sosa, Tyler Wolff
Forwards (5): Jackson Conway, Erik Lopez, Lisando López, Josef Martinez, Erick “Cubo” Torres
- on loan with Newell’s Old Boys
