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The Charleston Battery tell Dirty South Soccer they were prepared for a goalkeeper to join their ranks through Atlanta United.
Atlanta United made their first ever player signing today, inking Greek-American goalkeeper Alexander Tambakis to a contract. He was immediately loaned to the Charleston Battery in USL as part of the two club's affiliation deal.
Tambakis joins defender Shawn Ferguson and midfielder Justin Portillo as 2016 rostered players, as the team prepares for preseason.
"It’s better to have the players as early as possible as it allows more time to integrate with the existing members of the team," Andrew Bell, Charleston Battery club president, said to DSS. "We’re looking forward to integrating Alexander into the squad. We expect all of our players to have a positive impact !"
Bell said that the decision to sign Tambakis came fully from the Atlanta United technical staff, but the club was made aware that a goalkeeper could be coming Charleston's way "early in the process." He added that the Battery were made aware of the signing before today's announcement.
As of now there is no indication whether or not more players will be signed before preseason, but Bell said that the two front offices will " continue to work closely with Atlanta’s technical staff on the overall Charleston Battery squad."
The Battery's schedule will be known on Jan. 26, when the league releases the full slate of 2016 fixtures. Ahead of this, Atlanta United remains excited for Tambakis' prospect to play in USL after making less than 10 pro appearances the last few seasons.
"Alex is a promising young player with solid tools and a big upside," Carlos Bocanegra, Atlanta United technical director said in a statement. "He’s already had big game experience in Greece which is an advantage for a 23-year-old goalkeeper. We’re looking forward to his continued development at the Battery."
Earlier this month, Darren Eales told DSS that he could not divulge how many signings would be made in 2016, but would be logical to expect "more [USL] signings later on in the year."