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Atlanta United have acquired a 4th-round 2018 SuperDraft pick from MLS expansion franchise Los Angeles FC, giving away a one-year international slot, according to the club.
#ATLUTD acquires 2018 draft pick from LAFC
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 10, 2017
: https://t.co/FmOJuAlff0 pic.twitter.com/0CFSlxKHNd
It’s an interesting move from Atlanta that, on it’s face, goes against what one might expect from a club with such a strong international presence. Not only does the move (at least temporarily) restrict Atlanta in regards to the amount of internationals it can sign, but adds to the stockpile of SuperDraft picks. Atlanta has seemingly not shown a willingness to invest in the SuperDraft, instead focusing development on kids brought up through the club’s youth academy.
This could very well be a move to set itself up to make bigger moves in the future (4-dimensional chess and all that jazz) so stay tuned to see if Atlanta trades to get an international slot back, or if the team stockpiles SuperDraft picks to help build out the newly formed USL squad.