Atlanta United Finalizing $18m Deal for Switzerland Forward Breel Embolo

Atlanta United are closing in on one of the biggest signings in MLS history, finalizing a deal worth around $18 million to bring Switzerland international Breel Embolo from Stade Rennes.

The 29-year-old forward would become one of the five most expensive players ever signed by an MLS club. Atlanta already account for five of the league’s ten costliest transfers, underlining the club’s continued willingness to spend at the top end of the market.

Embolo arrives after a solid season in Ligue 1, scoring 10 goals and adding three assists in 34 appearances for Rennes. He previously played for AS Monaco and Borussia Mönchengladbach, and began his career at FC Basel before moving to Schalke.

A proven international

The Swiss striker has 26 goals in 92 caps for his country. He featured at the 2026 World Cup, where his tournament ended with a controversial red card in Switzerland’s elimination against Argentina.

His combination of physical presence, hold-up play and experience at the highest level makes him a clear upgrade in attack for Atlanta, who lost Emmanuel Latte Lath to Union Berlin earlier this summer.

Context of the move

Atlanta worked on several high-profile forward targets this window, including Darwin Núñez, before advancing talks for Embolo. French reports and multiple sources now indicate the deal is close to completion, with the fee reported in the region of $18 million (€15.5m).

If confirmed, Embolo would immediately become one of the highest-profile European arrivals of the MLS season and a centerpiece of Atlanta’s attack under Tata Martino.

For Rennes, the sale after just one season would represent a profitable exit after signing him from Monaco. For Atlanta, it is another statement of ambition — and further proof that the Five Stripes remain among the most aggressive spenders in the league.

The deal is not yet officially announced, but sources say it is in the final stages.