Paulo Fonseca reportedly turns down Atlanta United offer

Paulo Fonseca has turned down Atlanta United’s offer to become their next manager, according to Portuguese outlet MaisFutebol.

Reports emerged over the weekend that the former Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk manager had met with the Five Stripes’ brass. Photos of the meeting even surfaced online. The club supposedly offered Fonseca a two-and-a-half year contract, while the Portuguese manager was intrigued by the proposition, he is said to be focused on finding another job in Europe.

The 48-year-old is the first name to emerge in Atlanta United’s search for a permanent manager to replace Gabriel Heinze who was relieved of his duties just a few weeks ago.

Assuming this report is true, it likely leaves the club to head back to the drawing board and figure out their next step. They’ll likely have a list of names they’re interested in hiring and go from there.

While Fonseca’s resume is impressive, it’s never clear how a manager with European experience will adapt to the MLS way. Let’s see how Darren Eales and Carlos Bocanegra react to this news and if they remain committed to bringing in someone of similar pedigree.