Did Atlanta United make the right choice in renewing Ronald Hernández? | OneFootball

The Atlanta United remained keen on doing its preparation for the next season and announced the defender Ronald Hernández's contract renewal until 2025, with the option to extend to 2026. The Venezuelan at 27 years old maintains himself as an important chess piece in the defensive line and more than anything a secure movement with which to balance the squad after so many changes.

From Rotational Player to Essential Piece

Since his arrival on loan at Atlanta United in 2021 from Aberdeen FC of the Scottish Premiership, Ronald Hernández has had his ups and downs, but never stopped being an important part of the team's rotation. Over four seasons, he has made 63 appearances across all competitions, showing consistency and commitment. In 2024, Hernández has played 13 matches in the MLS regular season, starting seven of them, and appeared in four playoff games during Atlanta's Audi MLS Cup campaign.

The numbers might not impress at first glance, but the defender has qualities that don't always show up in the stats. Hernández is a disciplined, versatile, and, most importantly, reliable player. In a team undergoing restructuring, these attributes cannot be ignored. Atlanta United needs pieces that bring stability while the front office works to address gaps left by the offseason.

A changing scenario

Atlanta United has clear motives for being one of the busiest clubs in this transfer window. In addition to having two Designated Player slots available, the team is flexible under the U22 Initiative and thus stands at very good possibilities of recruiting top-class reinforcements. Another important factor is finding a new head coach-a matter that will directly influence the club's direction toward the 2025 season.

In this scenario, renewing Ronald Hernández's contract is a smart and pragmatic decision. The defender offers a level of experience that will be important in helping the team get through this transitional phase. After all, he knows the club, the league, and the challenges throughout an MLS season.

International experience and a solid career

Ronald Hernández's career is well-known outside the fields of the MLS. Defender Ronald Hernández was born in Barinas, Venezuela, and his professional path started with Zamora FC, for whom he played from 2015 through 2017 and drew the attention of European clubs. In August 2017, Hernández signed with Norwegian club Stabæk, where he made 61 appearances over three seasons.

His transfer to Aberdeen FC in Scotland in 2020 was another important step in his career, but it would be in the United States, with Atlanta United, that Hernández found more continuity. In addition to his club performances, he has 33 caps for the Venezuelan national team, contributing one goal and three assists. His debut for La Vinotinto came in a World Cup Qualifier against Paraguay on October 11, 2017.

This international experience places Hernández in a valuable position, especially in a league like MLS, which continues to grow in competitiveness and requires players accustomed to big stages.

The Five Stripes' steady approach

Atlanta United does have the structure and the resources to go after major reinforcements in this transfer window. In the meantime, the decision to keep a player like Hernández on the team is balanced with security and planning, which develops a more stable scenario for changes ahead.

For a club looking to return to the top of the league, moves like this can make all the difference.