Midfielder Giuliano Galoppo has left Club Atlético River Plate to join MLS side Atlanta United on loan. The deal, announced on September 2, 2026, includes a purchase option and runs through June 30, 2027 www.atlutd.com.
Galoppo, aged 27, moves to Major League Soccer after a year and a half with the Argentine giants. The Buenos Aires-born player arrived at River Plate in January 2025, initially on loan from São Paulo FC, and the club made the move permanent in January 2026. During his time with the Millonarios, he made 48 appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing one assist. His best form came during the 2025 Clausura tournament, where he netted five goals and added an assist in twelve matches, and he also scored his first Copa Libertadores goal that same year.
What did Galoppo contribute to River Plate?
Giuliano Galoppo added experience and versatility to River Plate's midfield. With a total of 194 professional appearances in his career, spread across Banfield, São Paulo FC, and River Plate, the footballer has contributed 39 goals and eight assists. He made his professional debut with Banfield on November 25, 2018, a club where he consolidated his game, recording 21 goals and three assists in 86 matches. His move to Brazilian football in 2022 brought silverware, as he was part of the squad that won the 2023 Copa do Brasil and the 2024 Supercopa do Brasil with São Paulo.
In the current 2026 season, Galoppo had played nine matches in the Apertura tournament and scored one goal. His departure comes as River Plate sits eleventh in the Liga Profesional Argentina, with 7 points from two wins, one draw, and four losses in seven games. The team has a goal difference of -1, having scored 7 and conceded 8, and trails leaders Argentinos Juniors by nine points.
How does this affect River Plate's midfield?
Galoppo's exit creates an opening in an area of the pitch the manager must fill with current squad options. The team is coming off a positive run of results, with three wins and two draws in its last five matches, including a 3-2 victory over Banfield on August 30. This good form is reflected in the team's stats as they look to maintain a two-game winning streak.
River Plate's next test is at home on September 6 against Independiente Rivadavia, who currently sit sixth in the table. This match, which you can follow on our fixtures page, will be key for continuing to climb the standings. The departure of a player with Galoppo's experience, who also holds Italian citizenship, represents a shift in the squad dynamic that the coaching staff must manage.
What did Atlanta United say about the signing?
Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director of Atlanta United, highlighted the qualities of the new addition. "He can play multiple positions in midfield and will raise the level of competition within the group as we continue to strengthen our roster heading into the final stretch of the season," Henderson said. Galoppo will occupy an international roster spot in MLS pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
Galoppo's football journey began in the youth ranks of Atlético de Rafaela and Boca Juniors before making the leap to the professional game. His return to Argentina with River Plate in 2025 was met with expectation, and he now takes on a new challenge abroad. The loan deal with an option to buy gives Atlanta United the flexibility to assess his performance before making a permanent decision. River Plate's next official match is on September 6.
