Atlanta United signs defender Pedro Amador

Atlanta United announced today that it has signed Portuguese defender Pedro Amador on a free transfer through the 2026 MLS season with an option for 2027. Amador most recently played for Moreirense in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and will occupy a spot on the international roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa. He will be eligible to play when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 18.

“We are delighted to sign Pedro as he will bring leadership and experience to our backline as we continue to strengthen our squad this summer,” said Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra. “At 25, he is coming at a good age from a strong European league and we value his experience of over 100 games in Portugal, including captaining his team in several games last season. We look forward to welcoming him to Atlanta and welcoming him into our group.”

The 25-year-old left-back joins Atlanta having made 114 professional appearances in the Portuguese first and second divisions with Moreirense and SC Braga, recording a total of two goals and nine assists in all competitions.

Amador began his youth career at Sporting CP in 2011 and later spent time in the youth systems of Portuguese clubs Sacavenense and Belenenses before joining 1° Dezembro in July 2017. He transferred to SC Braga B in January 2018 and made his professional debut in the Portuguese Second Division on 31 March 2018 against Varzim SC. He made seven appearances, all starts, during the 2017–18 season and 18 appearances in the 2018–19 season, scoring his first goal on 19 January 2019. He joined Braga’s first team the following season and started seven of his nine appearances in the top division.

The defender transferred to Moreirense in August 2020 and has made 80 appearances in all competitions over four seasons with the club. In the 2023–24 season, Amador reached career-highs in both his appearances (21) and starts (14) in the Portuguese top division, registering one assist, helping Moreirense finish sixth in the league.

Date of birth: December 18, 1998 (25)

Place of birth: Loures, Portugal

Transaction: Atlanta United signs Pedro Amador through the 2026 season with an option for 2027 on July 1, 2024, subject to receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa.

Goalkeepers (3): Josh Cohen, Brad Guzan, Quentin Westberg

Defenders (10): Luis Abram, Pedro Amador, Noah Cobb, Matt Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Brooks Lennon, Efraín Morales, Caleb Wiley, Derrick Williams

Midfield (10): Thiago Almada, Nick Firmino, Jay Fortune, Saba Lobjanidze, Dax McCarty, Edwin Mosquera, Tristan Muyumba, Bartosz Slisz, Adyn Torres, Tyler Wolff

Attackers (4): Luke Brennan, Daniel Rios*, Xande Silva, Jamal Thiaré

*Loan from CD Guadalajara

Loaned for the 2024 season: Franco Ibarra (Rosario Central), Santiago Sosa (Racing Club), Erik Centeno (ATL UTD 2), Aiden McFadden (Louisville City FC)