Atlanta United Strengthens Defense with Loan Signing of Spanish Center Back Juan Berrocal
Atlanta United has officially bolstered its defensive line by securing Juan Berrocal, a 26-year-old Spanish center back, on loan from LaLiga side Getafe until June 30, 2026. The deal includes an option to purchase, marking a significant step in the club’s efforts to reinforce a traditionally porous backline during the 2025 MLS secondary transfer window.
Strategic Defensive Reinforcement
With the MLS secondary transfer window open from July 24 to August 21, 2025, Atlanta United wasted no time finalizing the addition of Berrocal. This signing follows the recent acquisition of right center back Enea Mihaj, signaling a clear focus on strengthening the core of the team’s defense.
Berrocal is principally a left-sided center back, expected to complement Mihaj’s right-sided defensive duties. This pairing aims to bring balance, solidity, and cohesion to a defense that has struggled to consistently deliver clean sheets.
Player Profile and Career Highlights
Juan Berrocal joined Getafe ahead of the 2024-25 LaLiga season, making 21 appearances in a highly competitive Spanish top flight. Prior to this, his career was primarily spent in LaLiga 2, gaining valuable experience at clubs such as CD Eibar, CD Mirandés, and Sporting Gijón.
During the 2024-25 season, Berrocal was instrumental in helping Getafe record clean sheets against formidable opponents like Sevilla and Real Sociedad. His defensive reliability and tactical awareness have earned him over 250 career appearances, underscoring his maturity and readiness for the rigors of MLS competition.
Getafe’s Perspective and Squad Dynamics
Although Berrocal played a key role for Getafe last season, his absence from their first pre-season match indicated the club’s openness to his departure. The loan deal, which features a purchase option, may provide Getafe with an opportunity to reassess their defensive roster while allowing Berrocal to seek new challenges abroad.
What This Means for Atlanta United
Atlanta United’s defense ranked among the MLS’s weakest last season, prompting urgent moves in the transfer market. The signings of Juan Berrocal and Enea Mihaj reflect a strategic overhaul aimed at establishing a more resilient backline.
The club’s front office, under new leadership since December 2024, appears committed to smart acquisitions that blend experience and potential, with Berrocal’s arrival expected to stabilize defensive performances and boost overall team confidence.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Berrocal adapts to the style and demands of MLS, especially alongside Mihaj in central defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Juan Berrocal and what position does he play?
Juan Berrocal is a 26-year-old Spanish center back, primarily playing as a left-sided central defender, recently signed on loan by Atlanta United from Getafe.
What are the terms of Berrocal’s transfer to Atlanta United?
Berrocal joined Atlanta United on a loan deal lasting until June 30, 2026, with an included purchase option for the club to make the move permanent.
How will Berrocal fit into Atlanta United’s defensive setup?
Berrocal is expected to pair with recently signed right center back Enea Mihaj, providing balance on the left side of Atlanta United’s central defense to help shore up their defense.
What experience does Berrocal bring from his time in Spain?
He has made over 250 career appearances mostly across LaLiga 2, recently playing 21 games in LaLiga’s 2024-25 season with Getafe, where he contributed to important clean sheets against top teams like Sevilla and Real Sociedad.
Why did Getafe agree to loan Berrocal to Atlanta United?
While Berrocal was a defensive mainstay last season, his absence from Getafe’s first pre-season match suggested the club was ready to let him pursue opportunities elsewhere, potentially to optimize their squad composition.
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