Atlanta United announced today it has acquired up to $1.1 million in allocation money from D.C. United in exchange for midfielder Julian Gressel. Atlanta will receive $650,000 of Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) in 2020 and $100,000 of TAM in 2021. Additionally, the club can receive up to $350,000 in TAM if Gressel meets certain performance-based metrics with D.C. United. Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra will be available to media via conference call at 3:30 p.m.

“We want to thank Julian for his service to our club over the past three seasons,” Bocanegra said. “Coming out of college, Julian played an important role in building our team and helping the club win three major trophies. We wish him luck in his future.”

Gressel, 26, was selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Atlanta United’s second pick. After scoring five goals and recording nine assists in 2017, Gressel was named the 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year. The German midfielder carried over his form into the 2018 season, where he was tied for the team lead with 14 assists, helping Atlanta United win the 2018 MLS Cup. In 2019, Gressel scored a career-high six goals and contributed 12 assists. His versatility was on display as Frank de Boer deployed the midfielder in several positions. Gressel’s form continued into the postseason, where he scored two goals and added one assist.

TRANSACTION: Atlanta United acquires up to $1.1 million in allocation money in exchange for Julian Gressel on Jan. 21, 2020. Atlanta will receive $650,000 of Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) in 2020 and $100,000 of TAM in 2021. Additionally, the club can receive up to $350,000 in TAM if Gressel meets certain performance-based metrics with D.C. United.

2020 Atlanta United roster (as of Jan. 21, 2020)

Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan, Alec Kann, Brendan Moore

Defenders (10): George Bello, George Campbell, Edgar Castillo, Franco Escobar, Jon Gallagher*, Brooks Lennon, Fernando Meza, Patrick Nielsen**, Miles Robinson, Anton Walkes,

Midfielders (7): Mo Adams, Ezequiel Barco, Andrew Carleton, Luiz Fernando, Emerson Hyndman, Jeff Larentowicz, Eric Remedi

Forwards (4): Lagos Kunga, Josef Martinez, Pity Martinez, Tito Villalba

* - on loan with Aberdeen

** - unsigned SuperDraft pick