Atlanta United defender Anton Walkes was selected by Charlotte FC in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft on Tuesday. He was the no. 2 pick.
In 2021, Walkes started 32 out of 33 matches for Atlanta United, recording two goals and one assist on the season. He played the most minutes out of anyone on the team and established his leadership quality by being a team captain three times.
The 24-year-old from Lewisham, England spent three seasons in Atlanta. Atlanta United signed Walkes in 2020 from Portsmouth FC, an English professional team. He also played the 2017 season with Atlanta United on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, a club in the English Premier League.
Walkes is one of five players drafted by Charlotte FC ahead of its inaugural season in 2022. By rule, only one player can be picked from a club’s unprotected roster, which makes Walkes the only selection from Atlanta in the 2021 Draft.
In exchange for Walkes, Atlanta United will receive $50,000 in general allocation money.
More to come on ATLUTD.com and @ATLUTD.
