Atlanta United trades for Brooks Lennon

Atlanta United acquired versatile player Brooks Lennon in a trade with Real Salt Lake.

Lennon, 22, cost Atlanta United $150,000 in General Allocation Money and $150,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.

Lennon, an American who spent time in Liverpool’s youth teams from 2015-17, made 86 appearances, including 63 starts, for Real Salt Lake from 2017-19. He scored three goals with 10 assists.

“Brooks is a versatile young player and we are pleased to add him to our club,” Atlanta United Vice President Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement from the club. “In addition to his vast experience on the international level with U.S. Youth National Teams, he has proven to be a reliable starter in MLS. He can play both fullback and wing positions and we expect him to have an integral role in our long-term plans.”

Though he became Real Salt Lake’s first choice at right fullback, he can play any position on the right side. That flexibility will allow manager Frank de Boer to play Franco Escobar as a centerback or right fullback, depending on if he selects a three-man or four-man backline. Lennon could also push Julian Gressel for a starting spot at right wingback or right midfielder. Gressel has said he can see moving more centrally, which would open a position at wingback.

Lennon had a salary of $242,587.33 in guaranteed compensation in 2019.

He came up through Real Salt Lake’s Academy before signing with Liverpool. He returned on loan before he was purchased outright.

He has made several appearances for the U.S. national youth teams.

Atlanta United’s roster for 2020 season after Monday’s announcement:

Mo Adams
Ezequiel Barco
George Bello
George Campbell
Andrew Carleton
Franco Escobar
Jon Gallagher
Leandro Gonzalez Pirez
Julian Gressel
Brad Guzan
Lagos Kunga
Brooks Lennon
Josef Martinez
Pity Martinez
Brendan Moore
Luiz Nascimento
Dion Pereira
Eric Remedi
Miles Robinson
Hector Villalba