Just days after bringing Miguel Almirón back to the club, Atlanta United has made another massive statement by signing Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough FC as a Designated Player. The 26-year-old Ivorian striker joins on a contract through 2028, with an option for 2029, bringing blazing speed, clinical finishing, and international experience to the Five Stripes’ attack.
Speed. Skill. Goals.
There’s one word that defines Latte Lath’s game: Fast.
Chris Henderson, Atlanta United’s chief soccer officer, believes Latte Lath could be one of the fastest players in MLS. His ability to burst past defenders and create space with his acceleration makes him a nightmare for opposition backlines.
“He’s a forward with excellent pace and good goal-scoring instincts,” Henderson said. “His ability to stretch the field will add another dimension to our attack.”
But it’s not just about speed—Latte Lath is an elite finisher. He is skilled in tight spaces, with a deceptive first touch that often catches defenders off guard. He can strike with both feet, finish in one-on-one situations, and even rise for headers—his spectacular goal against Leeds United in 2023 was nominated for Goal of the Month.
📌 2024-25 Championship season: 11 goals so far
📌 2023-24 Championship season: 16 goals in 30 matches (Boro’s top scorer)
📌 Career at Middlesbrough: 29 goals in 67 matches
📌 Scored in Italy, Switzerland, and England before arriving in Atlanta
The Prime Years of a Goal-Scoring Machine
At 26 years old, Latte Lath is entering his peak years, and his stats back it up. Since the start of last season, he ranks among the best in the English Championship:
🔥 0.58 goals per 90 minutes (3rd)
🔥 51% of shots on target (4th)
🔥 +0.12 finishing quality per 90 (6th)
His goal-scoring ability also earned him a call-up to the Côte d’Ivoire national team for World Cup qualifiers, highlighting his rising star power on the international stage.
Latte Lath Joins Almirón in Dynamic DP Duo
Atlanta United entered the offseason needing to fill two Designated Player spots. In less than a week, they locked down two electrifying attackers:
⚡ Jan. 30: Miguel Almirón returns – an Atlanta United legend and MLS Cup champion.
⚡ Feb. 4: Latte Lath arrives – an elite finisher with European pedigree.
The two speed demons will be expected to lead by example, setting the tone for Ronny Deila’s aggressive, attacking system. Henderson made it clear:
“These players will be expected to produce for Atlanta and set the tone for the rest of the group.”
A Leader On and Off the Pitch
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Latte Lath brings a unique leadership quality: he speaks five languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese). His ability to connect with teammates in a diverse squad makes him a key figure in the locker room, mirroring the cultural richness of Atlanta itself.
A Scary Attack for 2025
With Latte Lath, Almirón, and Saba Lobjanidze, Atlanta United now boasts one of the fastest and most dangerous front lines in MLS.
🚀 The high-speed train is full steam ahead. Atlanta, get on board. 🔴⚫🔥
