20/05/2023
Atlanta United transfer Luiz Araújo to Brazil's Flamengo
Atlanta United are offloading one of the biggest pieces of their roster, announcing Thursday the surprise transfer of high-profile winger Luiz Araújo to Brazilian Serie A powerhouse Flamengo.
The 26-year-old, who joined the Five Stripes in the summer of 2021 in one of Major League Soccer's most expensive inbound transfers ever (reported $10 million, plus another $2 million in incentives), will stay with the club through their June 24 match at the New York Red Bulls before making the permanent move to the Mengão.
Araújo's departure opens up a Designated Player slot for Atlanta ahead of the league's Secondary Transfer Window, which runs from July 5 to Aug. 2. The team's other two DPs are Thiago Almada and offseason signing Giorgos Giakoumakis.
“We signed Luiz two years ago from the French champions and are sending him to the reigning Copa Libertadores champions,” Atlanta United vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a release.
“Ultimately, this was an opportunity that suits both parties well and gives us enough time to plan and evaluate as we’ll be actively seeking reinforcements in the Summer Transfer Window. We wish Luiz the best of luck at Flamengo and in his future endeavors.”