Atlanta United reportedly closing in on signing of Tristan Muyumba

Major League Soccer's Atlanta United could be the next destination for midfielder Tristan Muyumba, according to reports.

The 2018 MLS Champions have a Designated Player spot open in their squad after Luis Araujo left for Brazilian side Flamengo, but it remains to be seen whether or not Muyumba would occupy that slot if he does join the Five Stripes.

The move for the 26-year-old would make sense as Atlanta has struggled massively in defense this season. Franco Ibarra has shown promise as a defensive midfielder, but continues the team overall continues to disappoint with the poor performances from Matheus Rosseto and Santiago Sosa.

The backline's 2023 campaign has inspired Atlanta technical director Carlos Bocanegra to look elsewhere for reinforcements.

Muyumba has experience in the first, second and fourth divisions of football in France, previously seeing stints with SC Toulon, AS Monaco's first team as well as Monaco B.

Muyumba also saw time in the Belgian Pro League with Cercle Brugge.

It would be a welcomed signing for Atlanta head coach Gonzalo Pineda, who is eager to shore up his defense as his team has conceded the joint-most goals in 2023 alongside Southern rivals Charlotte FC at 35.

Atlanta currently sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 29 points from 20 games played, after being soundly defeated by New York Red Bulls last time out, 4-0. Should the Five Stripes get the signing over the line, Muyumba would be eligible to play anytime after the league's secondary transfer window opens on July 5.