Union Berlin bets on MLS striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to revive attack

Union Berlin have completed a season‑long loan for MLS striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from Atlanta United, agreeing to cover his full €2.8 million salary. The move brings the 27‑year‑old forward to the Bundesliga side for the coming campaign.

The club present the transfer as a chance to strengthen its offensive line after a disappointing phase in the MLS, hoping the striker can add firepower to a side that has struggled to find a reliable goal scorer.

Latte Lath’s MLS numbers underline the contrast that prompted the switch: in his first MLS season he recorded seven goals and three assists from 30 appearances, while this year he managed only two goals and one assist in 14 games. Correspondingly, his market value has fallen from €18 million to €10 million.

Union have been searching for a dependable goal scorer. The last player to reach double‑digit Bundesliga tallies for the club was Sheraldo Becker, who netted 31 times in the 2022/23 season, and Oliver Burke led the team with six goals last term, highlighting the need for a new source of goals.

"The talks with Union were very positive from the start … I am excited to get to know the squad, contribute to success and feel the support of the fans," said Emmanuel Latte Lath, expressing enthusiasm for the Bundesliga challenge.

Club managing director Horst Heldt added: "Emmanuel has built his path at a high level step by step … He brings qualities that will give our game additional options." The club believes his speed, mentality and instinctive finishing fit the profile they seek.

Latte Lath was developed at Atalanta Bergamo, never breaking into the first team, and completed eight loan spells before moving to Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023 for a total package of €7.1 million. In England’s Championship he scored 29 goals in 67 matches, proving his goal‑scoring pedigree before heading to the United States.

By taking on his full €2.8 million salary, Union also free up a Designated‑Player slot at Atlanta United, a place that could potentially be filled by a high‑profile signing such as Romelu Lukaku.