Atlanta United FC officially signs striker Kenwyne Jones
It’s official – Atlanta United FC officially signed 31-year-old Trinidad and Tobago striker, Kenwyne Jones, on July 15.
Rumors about whether or not Atlanta United FC would sign two big name players began circulating heavily around July 13. One of those big names was 31-year-old English Premier League forward Kenwyne Jones, and the other being Argentine forward Hector Villalba. Just two days later, the club officially signed Jones.
As Atlanta United FC continues to build their 2017 roster, it has been reported that Jones signed with the club on Friday, July 15. He will be added to Central FC’s CONCACAF Champions League roster on a loan before heading to Atlanta in Janurary.
Who is Kenwyne Jones?
In short, he’s a major acquisition for Atlanta United FC. Jones brings plenty of experience with him. He began his professional soccer career in 2002 and has spent time in the English Premier League and Championship, including Southampton, Sunderland, Stoke City and Cardiff City.
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Over the course of 81 appearances for his country, Jones has scored a total of 23 goals, as well as over 100 goals in his professional club career and 40 Premier League goals.
VIA ATLUTD.com:
"“Kenwyne is a player we have known about and watched for a long time,” said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “He is a big physical forward who can punish you in the air or behind the defense. We’re very happy that the timing worked out and we were able to acquire him during this transfer window.”"
Interestingly, Bocanegra himself has played against Jones and knows what he can bring to the table with United FC. According to Bocanegra, “Kenwyne is a well-known player in the region, with top level production and experience in England and for the Trinidad and Tobago National Team. He is an absolute handful for defenders.”
What does the 2017 roster look like now?
With the addition of Jones, the Atlanta United FC’s 2017 roster is composed of:
- Junior Burgos – midfielder
- Alexander Tambakis – goalkeeper
- Andrew Carleton – midfielder
- Jeffrey Otoo – striker
- Chris McCann – midfielder
- Kenwyne Jones – striker
Now that Jones has joined Atlanta United FC, the other big name player who has been rumored to sign with the team in the near future is up in the air. Will Argentine forward Hector Villalba be next to join the roster? According to reports, Atlanta United FC is “close” to making things official with Villalba.
Next: United FC: Andrew Carleton signs as first Homegrown Player
The addition of Jones is something to celebrate as Atlanta United continues to build their roster as their inaugural season approaches. Though he joins Atlanta United FC on August 1, 2016, Jones will go out on loan until January 2017. Welcome to Atlanta, Kenwyne!