OFFICIAL: Atlanta United signs Estudiantes center back Leandro Gonzalez Pirez

Welcome to Atlanta, where the Argentine’s play. Atlanta United have announced the signing of Leandro Gonzalez Pirez from Estudiantes. He will be signed using Targeted Allocation Money.

Pirez, 24, began his professional career with River Plate at the age of 18, making 38 appearances in four seasons with the club.

“We’re happy to have secured another player in his prime who has experience playing in his top domestic league,” Atlanta United president Darren Eales said. “As we continue to build and assess our roster, we believe Leandro identifies an area of need for our club and we look forward to him making a difference in 2017 and beyond.”

He was loaned out twice during his time with River Plate, once to Belgian power Gent(seven caps in the 2013-14 season) and again to Arsenal de Sarandi, where he became a consistent starter for the team.

In 2015, Pirez signed for Atletico Tigre, appearing thirty times in one season. Estudiantes jumped at the chance to sign the defender from Tigre after his successful year with the club. He earned fourteen caps in his lone year with Estudiantes.

The competition for Atlanta United’s starting center back spots is becoming very interesting. Michael Parkhurst seems like a lock to be one half of the center back pairing, but that leaves Zach Loyd, Miles Robinson and now Pirez to fight for the second starting slot. Regardless of who becomes the starter, one things for certain. Atlanta United has a good amount of depth at the center back position.

Welcome to Atlanta, Gonzalez.