TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing
Atlanta United announced Wednesday that they’ve signed Mexico national team winger Jurgen Damm, acquiring his discovery rights from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money. Damm will occupy an international roster slot once he joins the roster, which will occur in August after the MLS is Back Tournament.
In a corresponding move to free up an international roster spot, Atlanta waived central midfielder Luiz Fernando, who played mainly for the club's USL side and made one first-team appearance in the 2020 Concacaf Champions League.
The 27-year-old Damm been with Tigres UANL since the 2015 season, registering 13 goals and 23 assists across 172 appearances. He’s also featured 12 times and scored once for El Tri, with his last appearance coming in a 2018 friendly against Chile.
“It’s exciting to add a player with Jurgen’s pedigree and winning mentality and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club,” Atlanta vice President and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement. “He’s excelled in Liga MX, as well on the international level with the Mexican national team and we believe he can make an immediate impact in MLS. Jurgen is versatile to play on either wing, and with his pace and ability to beat defenders 1v1 to deliver a cross, he gives us another valuable weapon in our attack.”
Damm was previously rumored as a Five Stripes' transfer target, and now gives Frank de Boer another dynamic player in the final third. He’s expected to team up with midfielders Ezequiel Barco and Pity Martinez, all while star striker Josef Martinez recovers from a torn ACL.
Aside from Tigres, Damm has also played for Pachuca and Estudiantes Tecos, with the latter being where his professional career got underway. Damm is renowned for his straight-line speed, and could fill a similar role after Atlanta sold Tito Villalba to Club Libertad last summer. He was part of part of four Mexican championship teams.
