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Atlanta United transfers defender Alan Franco to São Paulo  

Atlanta United transfers defender Alan Franco to São Paulo

ATLANTA – Atlanta United announced today the transfer of defender Alan Franco to São Paulo FC of the Brazilian Serie A for an undisclosed transfer fee. The transaction opens an international slot on the club’s 2023 roster.   

“Alan was a consistent contributor over the last two seasons and we want to thank him for his commitment to the club,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “This was an opportunity that arose and was beneficial for both the club and the player. We wish him continued success at São Paulo.”

Franco joined Atlanta United on April 8, 2021, from Club Atletico Independiente in the Argentine top flight. The center back played in 56 MLS matches over the past two seasons, starting 54 of those matches. He scored one goal and added seven assists in the last two seasons, including becoming the first Atlanta player to record three assists in a single match on Sept. 15, 2021, against FC Cincinnati.

Last season, Franco led the team in minutes played (2,715) and scored his first MLS goal in a 3-2 victory against D.C. United on Aug. 28.   

Transaction: Atlanta United transfers defender Alan Franco to São Paulo FC for an undisclosed fee on Jan. 5, 2023.

2023 Atlanta United roster (as of Jan. 5, 2023)

Goalkeepers (3): Justin Garces, Brad Guzan, Quentin Westberg  

Defenders (9): Noah Cobb, Andrew Gutman, Ronald Hernández, Brooks Lennon, Aiden McFadden, Efrain Morales, Juanjo Purata, Miles Robinson, Caleb Wiley  

Midfielders (10): Thiago Almada, Ozzie Alonso, Ezequiel Barco*, Derrick Etienne Jr., Ajani Fortune, Franco Ibarra, Marcelino Moreno, Matheus Rossetto, Santiago Sosa, Tyler Wolff  

Forwards (8): Luiz Araújo, Erik Centeno, Machop Chol, Jackson Conway, Dom Dwyer, Erik López, Josef Martínez, Edwin Mosquera  

*On loan to River Plate through 2023 season

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