Cayman Togashi joins Atlanta United as the surprising piece to power their 2025 run | OneFootball

Atlanta United did an interesting signing as they announced the arrival of forward Cayman Togashi for the 2025 MLS season, with the option to extend through 2026. At 31 years old, this former Japanese youth international comes in with a good background that has seen more than a decade of Japanese soccer, including consistent numbers. Now the question many fans are asking is can he make a difference in a team looking to sustain momentum after a surprising year.

What does he give to Atlanta United?

Cayman Togashi comes to Atlanta United with much more than his 49 goals and 17 assists in 283 matches. He brings experience, resilience, and a unique understanding of the game acquired in the competitive J1 League, Japan's top division. His last stint with Sagan Tosu shows he still has the energy to contribute at a high level, even at 31.

Chris Henderson, director of soccer for Atlanta, explained to me, they had been keeping tabs on Togashi well before signing him on. "Given the number of games and competitions we play", he said, "depth up front is always something we're looking for." He added that his signing was targeted to strengthen a team that could have a daunting season with lots of commitments.

The importance of depth in attack

Today, having a versatile and well-stocked attack is not a luxury but a need. Togashi joins names like Jamal Thiaré, composing an offensive sector that has already shown its value in last season's Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

Although Togashi might not be the main actor in the attack, his ability to play under different scenarios and his experience in a decisive moment will be tested. In a team led by new coach Ronny Deila, who looks to continue recent success, Togashi has everything to be the player who delivers results when it matters most.

Ronny Deila, the challenge of maintaining momentum

After the playoff shock, Atlanta United comes into the 2025 season looking for a season that does not make it appear that the previous season's surprise was a one-time stroke of luck. Ronny Deila's team has the right base of operations, but they also wear the heels of those massive expectations.

Moreover, it has to be realistic-Togashi isn't some forward who will vie for the MLS Golden Boot, but he does not need to be that. His role in Atlanta United is going to be complementary, being that key bit in the roster which requires depth to face a long, demanding season.

His history shows he knows how to score goals and intelligently contribute to the attack. He's not a player of moments of brilliance but of consistency-something any coach wants in an unpredictable league like MLS.