Atlanta United today announced its first signing of the summer: defender Enea Mihaj on a free transfer.
The Albanian will occupy an international roster spot for the 5-Stripes after signing a contract through the 2028 season with an option for 2029. Mihaj will be eligible to play beginning July 24 when the Secondary Transfer Window opens. He will also need to receive his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC) to be able to play.
“We’re pleased to welcome Enea to the club and are looking forward to integrating him into the group ahead of the second half of our season,” Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “He’s a physical center back and a vocal leader with experience from multiple leagues in Europe. We expect him to play an important role and add competition to our backline.”
The Albanian is tried and tested at the European level. He was a fixture in Portuguese first division club FC Famalicão’s XI, starting 81 of his 82 appearances over his three seasons with the side.
He’s also built a reputation of consistency in the last couple of seasons. In his three seasons with Famalicão, he played all 90 minutes in 64 of his 72 starts in the Primeira Liga. That’s a testament to his ability to stay healthy as much as it is a compliment on his play.
At the international level, Mihaj has earned 19 caps for the Albanian National Team. His family moved to Greece when he was a child, and he made his way up the ranks of the Panetolikos GFS academy. After earning his spot in the first team, he transferred to PAOK, one of the top clubs in Greece. In the 2021-2022 season, Mihaj got his first experience in international club competition in the UEFA - Conference League, where he started seven matches as PAOK made the quarterfinals.
Mihaj uses his long legs to make rangy plays on the ball from all types of angles. He’s no nonsense, clearing the ball quickly when he gets the chance. He’s also shown cross-field passing capability, a valuable trait that is a necessity in head coach Ronny Deila’s quick-switching system.
Player Profile
Name: Enea Mihaj
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Birthdate: July 5, 1998 (26)
Birthplace: Berat, Albania
Citizenship: Albania, Greece
Transaction: Atlanta United signs Enea Mihaj through the 2028 season with an option for 2029 on July 2, 2025, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
Atlanta United roster (as of July 2, 2025)
Goalkeepers (3): Josh Cohen, Brad Guzan, Jayden Hibbert
Defenders (11): Luis Abram, Pedro Amador, Dominik Chong Qui, Noah Cobb, Matthew Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Brooks Lennon, Enea Mihaj, Efraín Morales, Derrick Williams
Midfielders (10): Miguel Almirón, Jay Fortune, Mateusz Klich, Saba Lobjanidze, Alexey Miranchuk, Edwin Mosquera, Tristan Muyumba, Will Reilly, Bartosz Slisz, Adyn Torres*
Forwards (5): Luke Brennan, Ashton Gordon, Latte Lath, Jamal Thiaré, Cayman Togashi
*On loan with ATL UTD 2
