Atlanta United announced they are signing Hector "Tito" Villaba as its first Designated Player Friday, pending approval of his visa and ITC.
Villaba joins the newest MLS club, which premiers in 2017, from the Argentine Primera Division club San Lorenzo.
"Hector is an exciting player, and one of the top young talents in Argentina," Technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in the announcement. "He is a powerful, pacey attacking player who can play out wide or up top. We really like his competitive and industrious style."
The 21-year-old forward first joined San Lorenzo at age 10 in the club's youth system. He made his professional debut in 2012. He has made more than 100 first team appearances for the club scoring 16 goals.
“We’re very happy to have Hector signed with our club,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales.
Eales said they had been monitoring Lorenzo for a long time and enjoy watching him gain experience.
"Hector is moving into the prime of his career, so it's exciting for us and the future of the league that he has chosen to join Atlanta United and play in MLS."
Ealier this month, Atlanta United signed English Premier League striker Kenwyne Jones. Jones is one of six other players United has signed to its first roster.
