Atlanta United nearing deal to sign Albania international center back: Sources

Atlanta United are closing in on a deal to sign Albanian international center-back Enea Mihaj, sources tell GIVEMESPORT.

Mihaj will join Atlanta this summer on a free transfer after his contract with Portuguese club Famalicao expires. He will be eligible to debut for Atlanta once the MLS summer transfer window opens on July 24.

Mihaj, 26, has 19 caps with Albania. He began his career in Greece with Panetolikos, then PAOK before heading to Portugal in 2022. He made 82 appearances with Famalicao over three seasons.

The Albanian international looks to be the first signing for Atlanta this summer and fills a big hole, as the club have been looking for improvements defensively. Atlanta had an attacking overhaul over the last two transfer windows, signing designated players Miguel Almiron, Alexey Miranchuk and new MLS record signing Emmanuel Latte Lath.

With heightened expectations, Atlanta have struggled in 2025 with 17 points after 18 matches. They sit in 13th, eight points below the playoff line.

Atlanta will have 10 games remaining this season after the transfer window opens. Mihaj is expected to be a key piece of the starting XI when he arrives.