Alan Franco

Atlanta United signed Alan Franco as a Designated Player via transfer from Club Atlético Independiente of the Argentine Primera División on April 8, 2021, however his contract was later bought down using allocation money. The center back started 23 of his 25 MLS appearances in his first season in Atlanta and recorded four assists. He became the first player in club history to record three assists in a match in a 4-0 win against FC Cincinnati on Sept. 15, 2021. 

Franco, 25, began his career with San Telmo in Buenos Aires. Following three years with San Telmo, Franco moved to Independiente in January 2015. After a stint with the second team, the defender was promoted to the First Team in 2017 and made his Primera División debut on March 18, 2017 in a 0-0 draw against San Martin. He went on to start 25 of his 26 appearances in all competitions that season, including both legs of the Copa Sudamericana Final where Independiente defeated Flamengo 3-2 after an Ezequiel Barco penalty in the second leg. The following season, Franco started 20 of the 21 matches he was in the squad and added eight starts in the Copa Libertadores. Over the course of his Independiente career, the center back totaled 121 appearances – 82 in league play – and scored one goal with two assists in his professional career.  

2021 (Atlanta United): Started 25 of his 27 appearances across all competitions. Started 23 of 25 MLS games and recorded four assists. Became the first player in club history to record three assists in a match in a 4-0 win against FC Cincinnati on Sept. 15, 2021. Concacaf Champions League: Started Atlanta’s first leg match against Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals. 

2017-2021 (Independiente): After a stint with the second team, the defender was promoted to the First Team in 2017 and made his Primera División debut on March 18, 2017 in a 0-0 draw against San Martin. He went on to start 25 of his 26 appearances in all competitions that season, including both legs of the Copa Sudamericana Final where Independiente defeated Flamengo 3-2 after an Ezequiel Barco penalty in the second leg. The following season, Franco started 20 of the 21 matches he was in the squad and added eight starts in the Copa Libertadores. Over the course of his Independiente career, the center back totaled 121 appearances – 82 in league play – and scored one goal with two assists in his professional career. 

International: Franco has made one appearance for the Argentine National Team, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win against Guatemala on Sept. 8, 2018.