Atlanta United has signed midfielder Matías Galarza on loan from River Plate, with the agreement running through June 30, 2026. The club also holds a transfer option for the summer. Galarza will join the team as an international player, pending his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.
“Matías is a talented young player who will add energy and intensity to our midfield,” said Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director of Atlanta United. “At 24 years old, he’s played in multiple big games in South America at both the club and international level, recently helping Paraguay qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’re excited to welcome him to Atlanta.”
Galarza has made 151 professional appearances and scored 10 goals with six assists across all competitions. His career includes time in Argentina’s and Brazil’s top divisions as well as Copa Libertadores matches. Since joining River Plate in July 2025, he made 14 appearances for the club. Before that, he played for Talleres in Argentina from August 2023 to July 2025, recording five goals and two assists over 68 matches. During his tenure with Talleres, the team won the 2023-24 Supercopa Internacional, and Galarza contributed to their run to the Round of 16 in the 2024 Copa Libertadores.
Born in Asunción, Paraguay, Galarza began his professional career with Olimpia before moving to Vasco da Gama in Brazil—first on loan then permanently in 2021—where he totaled five goals and four assists over 58 matches. He spent part of the 2022 season on loan at Coritiba FC, appearing in eleven Serie A matches.
Internationally, Galarza has earned thirteen caps for Paraguay since debuting in 2022, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He featured in seven World Cup qualifying matches during CONMEBOL’s recent cycle and helped Paraguay secure its first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Atlanta United competes as a Major League Soccer team based out of Atlanta, Georgia according to its official website. The club plays in MLS’s Eastern Conference and has previously achieved significant honors, including winning the MLS Cup in 2018 as well as capturing titles such as the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup in 2019 as reported by its official site.
The current roster features goalkeepers Jayden Hibbert and Lucas Hoyos; ten defenders including Pedro Amador and Stian Gregersen; twelve midfielders such as Miguel Almirón alongside new signing Matías Galarza; and six forwards like Luke Brennan and Fafa Picault.
Galarza joins Atlanta United on loan from River Plate until June 30, 2026 with an option for a permanent transfer.
