Atlanta United sign Juan José Purata on loan from Tigres UANL | OneFootball

Atlanta United tapped into Liga MX for their latest player, signing defender Juan José Purata on loan from Tigres UANL for the remainder of the 2022 Major League Soccer campaign.

The contract also includes both a purchase option and chance to extend the loan for 2023.

Purata is set to occupy an international roster spot for Atlanta United, and will be made available for selection when the MLS Secondary Transfer Window opens on July 7.

“Juan is a talented center-back with an extremely high ceiling,” VP and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a release. “Given our current situation, we felt the need to bring in another central defender. An opportunity arose to acquire him on loan, and we’re pleased to be able to bring him into the group. Once integrated and registered, we’re looking forward to having him compete immediately.”

The defender is coming into Atlanta after a successful season with Tigres, reaching the Clausura’s semifinals before ultimately losing 5-4 on aggregate to league champions Atlas. He’s made 34 appearances for the team since debuting in 2017, seeing Liga MX and Concacaf Champions League play.

Yael Averbuch West welcomed USMNT and Nashville SC Designated Player Walker Zimmerman for the latest episode of 90min's Football Americana. As the World Cup fast approaches, the defender revealed what's going on behind the scenes at recent USMNT camps - ahead of matches against Wales and England in Qatar. Zimmerman also spoke on the revolutionary CBA agreed upon by the US national teams and US Soccer, giving the USMNT’s side and perspective as the historic procedure went down. .

His arrival comes at the perfect time as Gonzalo Pineda attempts to combat the team’s injury crisis.  The backline is without trusted defender Miles Robinson, who remains out for the season with an Achilles tendon rupture, Andrew Gutman and Ronald Hernandez. Key components Osvaldo Alonso and Brad Guzan sit on the sidelines as well.

Purata is the second Liga MX player to sign with Atlanta United this week, joining former Chivas goalkeeper Raul Gudiño.