Atlanta United FC signs forward Hector Villalba
Atlanta United FC announced the signing of 21-year-old big name player, Argentine forward Hector “Tito” Villalba, on Friday, June 22.
Atlanta United FC announced another major signing on Friday, June 22. After the recent signing of Trinidad and Tobago striker Kenwyne Jones, Atlanta United has now signed the other big name player, Argentinian forward Hector “Tito” Villalba from Argentine Primera Division club San Lorenzo.
Rumors linking Villalba to Atlanta United FC began circulating at the beginning of the summer, along with striker Kenwyne Jones. Being able to sign both of these big name players was anticipated to be a major accomplishment for the club and their inaugural 2017 season, and United FC wasted no time capitalizing on both players.
Atlanta United FC signed Villalba as the first Designated Player in club history. Villalba is a promising signing for the young club, as he is a very aggressive and versatile player with a unique style. There are high hopes that he will bring the same success he had in Argentina to Atlanta.
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VIA ATLUTD.com:
"“Hector is an exciting player, and one of the top young talents in Argentina,” said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “He is a powerful, pacey attacking player who can play out wide or up top. We really like his competitive and industrious style.”Villalba was selected to join Buenos Aires based San Lorenzo at age 10, and came up through the club’s youth system. He made his professional debut in August 2012 playing under technical director Ricardo Caruso. At only 21-years-old, Villalba has made over 100 first team appearances for San Lorenzo scoring 16 goals.“We’re thrilled to have Hector’s signature. He has a high fitness capacity and an eye for goal,” said Bocanegra. “We think he will fit in perfectly within our system and within the MLS style of play.”"
Villalba joined San Lorenzo at age ten and has spent his entire career with the club. He was promoted to the first team when he was just 16-years-old, and made his debut at age 18, which was then followed by more than 100 appearances. Villalba even assisted San Lorenzo in their winning of the Supercopa Argentina in 2015.
The addition of Villalba brings Atlanta United FC’s 2017 roster to seven players, being:
- Junior Burgos – midfielder
- Alexander Tambakis – goalkeeper
- Andrew Carleton – midfielder
- Jeffrey Otoo – striker
- Chris McCann – midfielder
- Kenwyne Jones – striker
- Hector Villalba – forward
VIA ATLUTD.com:
"“We’re very happy to have Hector signed with our club,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “We’ve been monitoring him for a long time and really like his talent and pedigree. He’s a young DP who already has a lot of experience at the top level of the game and has exceptional potential to develop further. Hector is moving into the prime of his career, so it’s exciting for us and for the future of the league that he has chosen to join Atlanta United and play in MLS.”"
Next: United FC officially signs striker Kenwyne Jones
Like Jones, Villalba will also be on loan (though it has not yet been determined where) for the rest of the year and will join Atlanta United FC in January 2017. Welcome to Atlanta, Hector!