Atlanta United brings back homegrown talent in move that could shape 2025 | OneFootball

Atlanta United announced today that the club has signed Will Reilly, a product of the club's academy, through the 2025 MLS season with options to extend through 2028. The 22-year-old midfielder returns to the club where he started his journey in 2016 after valuable experience during his college soccer career and previously playing for Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship.

Will Reilly joins the limited number of professional players to have graduated through the levels of Atlanta United's development system. Having joined in 2016, Reilly started off with a taste of professional soccer for Atlanta United 2 and went on to make a total of 35 USL Championship appearances between 2019 and 2021. Then he continued at the collegiate level.

Over four years at Stanford, Reilly had 11 goals and 17 assists in 75 matches, including being a consistent starter over his last three seasons. His steady performances then caught the attention of Atlanta United, which followed his progress closely. As Javier Perez, Atlanta's academy director, noted, "He started in the academy, worked hard to grow in the system, and went on to Stanford, where he started every match over the last three seasons.

Reilly's midfield profile

"Reilly's a versatile midfielder who can play box-to-box or in a more defensive role," Perez said. This flexibility in Reilly will make him a valuable addition to Atlanta's roster as the team can deploy him in different tactical situations. His adaptability to different midfield roles, combined with his collegiate experience, heightens his chances of contributing to the first team.

What the signing means for Atlanta United

Reilly's return underlines Atlanta United's commitment to the development and investment in homegrown talent. While his return represents a project that is ongoing, the decision reflects the club's confidence in his potential and their aim to strengthen the squad with players who embody the team's values.

Whether as an immediate midfield backup or someone who gradually earns more playing time, Reilly will have to prove his worth on the field. His success will depend not only on his technical skills but also on his ability to adjust to the pace and demands of MLS competition.

Through his collegiate career, Reilly has shown consistency and maturity on the pitch. Now, he is expected to transfer that experience into meaningful contributions for Atlanta United. His return to the club represents an important step in his professional career and presents him with an opportunity to establish himself as a key player in Atlanta's plans for 2025 and beyond.