The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
United’s highest-paid player has three goals, two assists this season.
Atlanta United has agreed to sellluiz Araujo to Brazilian club Flamengo for a reported transfer fee in the eight figures, according to a person with knowledge of the transaction.
Araujo, 26, will remain with the MLS club through the June 24 match at the New York Red Bulls. Atlanta United declined to comment.
Atlanta United p urchased Araujo from Lille in France for a reported transfer fee of $11.8 million during the 2021 season. Araujo is Atlanta United’s highest-paid player, with a reported salary of almost $4.5 million.
Araujo came to Atlanta United discussing how he wanted the challenge of helping the club win another MLS Cup after having helped Lille win Ligue 1 in France and qualify for the Champions League. Though immensely skilled, Araujo had difficulty being as impactful as is expected from a Designated Player. Playing primarily as a right winger, he has three goals and two assists this season and 11 goals and 12 assists in 56 appearances overall for Atlanta United.
The sale of Araujo means Atlanta United will have one DP slot open when the summer transfer window opens on July 5. The window will close on Aug. 2.
The sale of Araujo also is the first move in what may be a very busy summer for Atlanta United. The club likely will field offers for
Thiago Almada, an MVP candidate with six goals and seven assists; fullback Caleb Wiley, who made his first appearance for the U.S. men’s national team and currently is with the U20s for its World Cup; and possibly centerback Miles Robinson, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
President Garth Lagerwey and Vice President Carlos Bocanegra said in past weeks that the club will be active in the transfer window, possibly adding several players. The club is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, with 21 points from 13 matches.
Manager Gonzalo Pineda has choices to replace Araujo. He could move Brooks Lennon from right fullback, Derrick Etienne from left wing or Wiley from left wing. He also has Machop Chol and Tyler Wolff available.