Atlanta United took another step toward building its back line Thursday, announcing the signing of defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez from Argentine side Estudiantes.
The 24-year-old was the second center back signing of the day for Atlanta, which acquired Tottenham prospect Anton Walkes on loan. The MLS expansion side also confirmed the summer addition of U.S. national team goalkeeper Brad Guzan on Thursday, and announced the acquisition of right back Tyrone Mears on Tuesday.
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"I'm very excited to have Leandro join us in Atlanta," coach Gerardo Martino said in a news release. "He fits in well with our style of play and has the ability to make a difference in MLS."
Pirez played for River Plate and Tigre in Argentina before joining Estudiantes ahead of the 2016 campaign. An experienced youth international, he represented Argentina at the 2009 U-17 World Cup and the 2011 U-20 World Cup.
The Buenos Aires native joins Michael Parkhurst, Zach Loyd, Miles Robinson and Walkes as center backs on Atlanta's roster.