Atlanta United sign center-back Stian Gregersen from French side Bordeaux

Atlanta United have confirmed the transfer of center-back Stian Gregersen from Ligue 2 side Bordeaux on a four-year contract through the 2027 MLS campaign with an option for 2028.

Gregersen's arrival is the third signing of the winter transfer window for the Five Stripes, and it's a much-needed addition to a defense that conceded 53 goals in the 2023 regular season, the sixth-most in MLS.

The 28-year-old joins after spending the past two-and-a-half seasons at Bordeaux, where he made 75 appearances for the French club and added two goals and an assist. Bordeaux were relegated in his first season with the club in 2021/2022, as they finished in the bottom of Ligue 1 and finished in third place in the French second division, just missing out on promotion back to the top flight.

"Stian has been a consistent performer across multiple leagues and is comfortable defending with space behind him, as well as in an organized block," Atlanta United vice president and technical director Carlos Bocaengra said in a release.

"He is someone who reads the game well, has a presence, and helps command the back line through organization and leadership. We are excited for him to join Atlanta United and bolster our defense."

Atlanta United's front office continues to stack the Five Stripes' defense with the departure of free agent center-back Miles Robinson to FC Cincinnati. Atlanta has already signed goalkeeper Josh Cohen, who's expected to compete with Brad Guzan for the starting job, and the signing of Gregersen spells out a potential partnership between Luis Abram and the former Ligue 1 defender.

Gregersen's professional career started out in Molde in his native Norway, where he went out on loan to Kristiansund BK in 2015 (30 appearances, one goal) before getting a chance with the Molde first team in 2016.

After two years in the Norwegian first division, he was then loaned out to Elfsborg in 2019 (26 appearances, one goal) before returning to Molde in January 2020. In August 2021, he departed Molde for Bordeaux in a permanent move. He made 98 appearances for Molde following both loan moves away from the club, registering four goals and three assists as a defender.

Gergersen represents Norway at international level and has made eight appearances for his country since 2020, most recently featuring in a friendly against Faroe Islands on November 16 of last year.

Prior to signing Gregersen, Atlanta selected former DC United center-back Derrick Williams in the MLS Re-Entry draft, and there have been rumors swirling around that the club have come to an agreement with the Aston Villa academy product. The Five Stripes are also reportedly in the final stages of signing Poland international midfielder Bartosz Slisz from Legia Warsaw.