In February 2025, Emmanuel Latte Lath moved from Middlesbrough to Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, marking a significant step in his career. The Ivorian forward left Middlesbrough after 18 months, completing a transfer valued at £22.5 million — setting a new MLS transfer record.
Before his departure, Latte Lath had played a key role under manager Michael Carrick at the Riverside Stadium, registering 11 goals in 29 Championship appearances. His exit impacted Middlesbrough, as the club struggled to secure a play-off spot following a disappointing end to the season.
Mixed Beginnings for Latte Lath in the MLS
Latte Lath began his MLS journey on a high note, netting two goals in his debut for Atlanta United against Montreal on February 23, 2025, helping secure a 3-2 win. Despite the promising start, his scoring form soon stalled, going goalless in his following two matches before reemerging with three goals and two assists over a four-game stretch.
However, Atlanta United’s inconsistent performances mirrored the striker’s own struggles throughout the season. Between late March and mid-July, Latte Lath endured a lengthy goal drought but managed to break it with a goal in a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC. He added one more goal shortly after but did not score again in the league after that point.
His season was further disrupted by a muscle injury that sidelined him for three games, adding to the challenges faced during his debut MLS campaign.
Atlanta United’s Difficult Season and Playoff Hopes Dashed
Atlanta United finished 14th out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, placing 28th overall in the MLS standings by the season’s end. This disappointing placement meant missing out on the MLS playoffs by a wide margin. Similar to Middlesbrough’s failure to reach the Championship play-offs months earlier, the club endured a tough year overall.
Latte Lath did manage to score once during the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring clubs from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX, but Atlanta United exited the competition in the group phase.
Looking ahead, Atlanta is preparing for the upcoming season, set to begin on February 21 with an away game against FC Cincinnati. With former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino now at the helm, the pressure is on for both the club and its key player to bounce back from the worst season in team history.
Outlook for Emmanuel Latte Lath After His MLS Transition
As Middlesbrough continues its push for a Premier League return, Emmanuel Latte Lath faces a critical year in the United States. Following a challenging debut season marked by inconsistent form and injury setbacks, the striker will hope to avoid regret over his decision to leave England behind. Success with Atlanta United could solidify his role as a talisman for the club as they attempt to improve in the fiercely competitive MLS landscape.
“Latte Lath made his debut in the league for Atlanta against Montreal on February 23, 2025, and he scored a brace as his new side started the campaign with an excellent 3-2 victory.” ?Source paragraph
“A week later, he notched his seventh goal of the campaign, but ultimately it would prove to be his last in the MLS in 2025, and he would suffer a muscle injury that would see him miss three games.” ?Source paragraph
“Atlanta are preparing for the new season, which kicks off on February 21 against FC Cincinatti away from home. After the worst campaign in the club’s history last time out, this is a vital year for the Five Stripes and their talisman, with ex-Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino now in charge.” ?Source paragraph
