TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer
Atlanta United have acquired defender Anton Walkes from English side Portsmouth for an undisclosed transfer fee, the club announced Thursday. Walkes featured for Atlanta on loan in 2017.
Walkes, 22, made 17 starts for Atlanta in their inaugural season mainly at right back, scoring two goals. He is a product of Tottenham's youth system and moved to Portsmouth in the summer of 2018.
“We’re excited to permanently welcome Anton back to the club,” Atlanta VP and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a club statement. “Anton is a versatile player who will immediately bolster our backline. He has spent the last two seasons developing his game in England against tough competition and now returns with tremendous experience. We know he fits well into the locker room and are happy to have him back.”
Earlier this offseason, Atlanta acquired the versatile Brooks Lennon, who can play up and down the right flank from fullback to winger. Already with natural right back Franco Escobar on the roster, Walkes adds to a strong position group.
The club also have Julian Gressel, who has been a regular at right wingback though can also play in the midfield. The German's future is up in the air due to a contract impasse.
