TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
Atlanta United are set to sign Venezuela national team right back Ronald Hernandez shortly after he joined Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen FC, according to a report from Mario Alberto Sanchez. He added that it’s a four-year deal.
Hernandez, 23, spent the the 2017-19 seasons at Norwegian side Stabæk, then moved to Aberdeen in January 2020. He’s since made six appearances, all in league competitions.
Atlanta United have a strategic partnership with Aberdeen, previously sending now-Austin FC forward Jon Gallagher on loan there with MLS minutes hard to come by. So there’s a solid relationship between the two parties, which could serve as further fuel to the report.
But Atlanta also have Franco Escobar and Brooks Lennon on the roster as suitable right backs, so there could be a logjam of sorts. Lennon has proven capable of playing further upfield, potentially creating some flexibility as new head coach Gabriel Heinze looks to shape the side.
Hernandez has earned 17 caps for Venezuela, creating a La Vinotinto connection with star striker Josef Martinez. That includes a key role at the 2019 Copa America and in recent Conmebol World Cup qualifiers.
Atlanta United are entering their fifth MLS season and missed out on the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in 2020. In previous interviews, technical director & VP Carlos Bocanegra has played coy regarding their roster-building plans this offseason.
