Official: Atlanta United signs Lisandro Lopez from Racing Club

Update 1/25: It’s official. Atlanta United have signed Lisandro Lopez from Racing Club. Welcome to the club, Lisandro!

“Lisandro is a veteran goalscorer who will strengthen our attack and we’re pleased to add a player with his experience and qualities to our club,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He brings leadership and a winning mentality, having won various league and cup titles throughout his career, and we feel that he will have a positive influence on our younger roster.”

Atlanta United is set to sign 37-year-old striker Lisandro Lopez from Racing Club, according to a report from Cesar Luis Merlo Monday night. The report states that Lopez will announce the decision tomorrow.

Implicit in the wording and context of the report is that this would not include a transfer fee, though we don’t yet have confirmation. The veteran would fill a role currently held by Adam Jahn, who is still under contract at the club. At 37-years of age, it might be a stretch to call him “cover” for Josef Martinez if the Venezuelan were to miss a large number of consecutive games. But otherwise, Lopez’s steady production into his twilight years indicates he’ll be a viable option off the bench.

What Lopez lacks in physicality and stamina at such an age, he’s overflowing with experience and respect. Beginning his career as a regular starter for a Porto side that won four consecutive league titles before playing for Lyon in his prime, Lopez has amassed 244 league goals scored. He has seven caps for Argentina, scoring one goal.