Atlanta United has added more young talent to its first-team roster, announcing Tuesday that forward Arif Kovac, defender Toto Majub, and midfielder Ignacio Suarez-Couri have signed Short-Term Agreements ahead of the club’s upcoming MLS road matches against Charlotte FC and the New England Revolution.
The trio will be available for Wednesday’s clash at Charlotte FC before traveling with the squad to face New England on Saturday, giving head coach Tata Martino additional depth as Atlanta navigates a busy stretch of the MLS schedule.
For Majub and Suarez-Couri, it marks their second Short-Term Agreements of the 2026 season, while Kovac earns his first-ever call-up to the Atlanta United first team.
Kovac Rewarded After Breakout MLS NEXT Pro Season
The headline name among the call-ups is undoubtedly Arif Kovac, whose remarkable campaign with Atlanta United 2 has made him one of MLS NEXT Pro’s most exciting attacking talents.
The 19-year-old striker currently leads the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race with 13 goals and ranks second in the league with 16 goal contributions.
Kovac’s biggest statement came on May 16 against Huntsville City FC, when he produced an unforgettable performance with five goals and one assist, setting MLS NEXT Pro records for both goals and total goal contributions in a single match.
His outstanding form has continued throughout the summer. Most recently, Kovac earned MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek honors after recording a goal and an assist in Atlanta United 2’s 4-1 victory over Inter Miami CF II.
The towering 6-foot-5 forward also became just the second Atlanta United 2 player in the MLS NEXT Pro era to score double-digit goals in a single season, making this first-team opportunity well deserved.
Majub Continues His Development
Ugandan defender Toto Majub also returns to the senior squad after continuing his steady development with Atlanta United 2.
The 20-year-old joined the club before the 2025 season after playing for Amusi Football Club in Uganda and quickly established himself as a promising young defender.
Majub made 12 MLS NEXT Pro appearances during his debut campaign, scoring his first professional goal in a 2-0 victory over Huntsville City FC in August 2025.
This season, he has made seven appearances, including four starts, while continuing to gain valuable professional experience. He has also represented Uganda’s U-20 National Team, adding international experience to his growing résumé.
Homegrown Prospect Suarez-Couri Keeps Climbing
Atlanta United Academy product Ignacio Suarez-Couri continues his rapid rise through the organization.
The 17-year-old midfielder joined Atlanta United 2 in April 2025 after spending several years in the club’s academy system and has consistently rewritten club records for young players.
Last season, Suarez-Couri became the youngest player in Atlanta United 2 history to score a professional goal, finding the net at just 16 years and 146 days old.
In 2026, he has continued his impressive development, contributing one goal and four assists in 14 appearances, making him the youngest ATL UTD 2 player to reach five goal contributions in an MLS NEXT Pro season.
Earlier this summer, Suarez-Couri also celebrated another career milestone by making his debut with the United States U-17 Men’s National Team.
Understanding MLS Short-Term Agreements
Under the 2026 MLS Roster Rules, clubs may sign players aged 25 or younger from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate to a maximum of four Short-Term Agreements during the league season.
Each agreement can last up to four days, with players eligible to appear on up to four MLS regular-season matchday rosters, although they may participate in no more than two MLS league matches. There is no limit on appearances in non-league competitions while under these agreements.
The rule allows clubs like Atlanta United to reward standout academy and MLS NEXT Pro performers while providing valuable first-team experience.
What This Means for Atlanta United
Atlanta United continues to invest heavily in its youth pipeline, and these latest call-ups reinforce the club’s commitment to developing talent from within.
With injuries impacting the first-team squad and several young players already making meaningful MLS contributions this season, Kovac, Majub, and Suarez-Couri could each have opportunities to gain invaluable experience alongside veterans like Miguel Almirón, Alexey Miranchuk, and the club’s newest defensive signings.
For Atlanta supporters, it’s another encouraging sign that the pathway from the academy and Atlanta United 2 to Mercedes-Benz Stadium remains stronger than ever.
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Join the Conversation
Which of Atlanta United’s young prospects are you most excited to see with the first team? Can Arif Kovac continue his incredible scoring form if he gets MLS minutes? Let us know in the comments and keep following AtlantaSoccer.News for the latest Atlanta United, MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and international soccer coverage.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.