ATL Standard

Soccer club Atlanta United recently announced that it transferred local defender George Bello to the German Bundesliga league's Arminia Bielefeld club.

Bello's new contract lasts until 2026, CBS reported. His new jersey number will be 24, and it's assumed he will be playing left back.

"Each player has a different path in their development, but George is a shining example of one of those pathways that our club can offer," Carlos Bocanegra, Atlanta United's vice president and technical director, said on the team's website.

A native of Douglasville, Bello began playing with the Atlanta United Academy in 2016, Atlanta United reported on their site.

In earning his first MLS All-Star recognition in 2021, Bello played in a career-high 29 games, Atlanta United reported. He scored a goal and three assists, making him the first homegrown Atlanta United player to play in the All-Stars.

"In George we're getting a very fast and dynamic left back with a strong attacking drive," Bielefeld coach Frank Kramer told The Associated Press. "He's a good kid who brings that typical American enthusiasm and wants to make a difference."

Bello made his first career goal on Oct. 6, 2018 against New England Revolution, then making him the sixth-youngest player in MLS history to score a goal.

"He joined our original Academy program in 2016 and soon signed as a homegrown at just 15 years old," Bocanegra said. "He then made his mark at USL level, went on to debut with our First Team and ultimately played his way onto the U.S. Men's National Team. For George, his desire was to move to Europe for an opportunity to continue his development and we wish him continued success with Bielefeld."