Goalkeeper Josh Cohen, a California native, is rumored to be on the verge of signing a contract with Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. Cohen most recently played for Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Premier League, where he was named the league’s player of the season in 2020-21 and helped guide the team to the UEFA Champions League. However, Cohen has been without a club since leaving Maccabi in the summer.
According to multiple sources, a deal between Cohen and Atlanta United is expected to be completed in the coming days. This news comes after Cohen’s inclusion in the United States men’s national team training camp in June, ahead of the Concacaf Nations League Final Four. Although he didn’t make it to the competition roster, the recognition and exposure he received likely played a role in attracting the interest of Atlanta United.
In September, The Athletic reported an alleged breach of MLS rules by Atlanta United during negotiations with Cohen. A representative for Cohen filed a complaint claiming that the club violated these rules while dealing with the player, who was on their discovery list. It was said that Cohen received a contract offer well below his market value, and negotiations seemed to have reached a deadlock. However, the circumstances surrounding the resolution of this issue remain undisclosed.
Atlanta United currently has Brad Guzan as their starting goalkeeper, who is under contract until 2024. However, at 39 years old, Guzan’s future with the club is uncertain. He has endured several injury setbacks, including a ruptured Achilles in 2022 and a torn MCL that sidelined him for several weeks this season. The potential signing of Cohen may indicate that Atlanta United is preparing for the eventual replacement of Guzan.
Josh Cohen’s soccer career has seen him play for various teams before his potential move to Atlanta United. He began by playing college soccer for UC San Diego before joining the Burlingame Dragons in the USL Premier Development League. Cohen then had stints with the Orange County Blues (now Orange County SC), Phoenix Rising, and Sacramento Republic in the USL Championship. His experience in different teams and leagues has honed his skills and helped him earn recognition as the Israeli Premier League’s player of the season.
Josh Cohen’s impending signing with Atlanta United marks an important milestone in his career. The goalkeeper’s impressive performances in the Israeli Premier League have caught the attention of MLS, and his inclusion in the US national team training camp only adds to his reputation. With uncertainty surrounding the future of the club’s current goalkeeper, Cohen’s arrival could signal a new era for Atlanta United between the goalposts.