On Thursday, Atlanta United announced the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Ajani Fortune to a Homegrown deal. The contract will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
What it means for Atlanta United
Not much yet. Fortune won't be available until 2023.
But midfield is obviously a position of need for Atlanta United and Fortune has been a regular for ATL UTD 2, making 48 appearances and 31 starts for the 2s.
“I’m really pleased for Ajani because I’ve seen first-hand how hard he’s worked for this opportunity,” Atlanta United 2 head coach Jack Collison said in a press release. “He brings such energy to his role in the midfield and he’s always taken the chances he’s been given to take the next step in his development, going back to his days in the Academy. He’s earned that next step and I’m ecstatic that it’s here with the club.”
What's next?
We wait.
While it's not a blockbuster move, it continues a steady flow of homegrown signings for Atlanta United. We've already seen Caleb Wiley and George Campbell contribute significantly for Atlanta United. Perhaps Fortune will find a similar role for ATLUTD next year.
Remember, Homegrown signings hold tremendous value due to their minuscule impact on a team's salary cap and the ability to receive 100% of the corresponding transfer or loan fee revenue from any transaction involving a Homegrown Player