Xande Silva Traded to St. Louis City; Why?
The trade for limited cash up front is a questionable move from Atlanta.
After 47 games, 7 goals, and 4 assists in all competitions, Xande Silva’s time in Atlanta ends. The left winger, originally brought on loan from French side Dijon and then permanently signed in one of Garth Lagerway’s early major moves, has been moved for a reported $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) with $150,000 in add-ons. The move opens up approximately $688,000 in cap space for the club, and United will keep Silva’s special discovery tag (Scarves and Spikes explain it best here).
But why?
Sure, there’s some cap relief. However, Silva was on an expiring contract. Sure, there’s some GAM. However, for a starting-caliber MLS player, it’s very little money up front, and the GAM cannot even be used until the summer transfer window opens. Until that window, Atlanta has very little depth at left wing, with only Edwin Mosquera backing up Saba Lobjanidze. And with Mosquera currently injured, midfielder Ajani Fortune has been played at that position. Finally, and maybe most importantly, Silva was a fan-favorite. Not only was it because of his energetic performances that showed more than they did on the stat line, but his personality was humorous and joyful. Predictably, there has been an outcry from fans reacting to the move.
We don’t know why Silva was moved, and likely won’t until Lagerway is questioned on it, but perhaps he just fell out of favor with Coach Ronny Deila. It adds speculation to the rumors of what the attitude in the Atlanta United locker room (started with reports of Muyumba and Slisz fighting in training) is with a coach slowly losing the fans.
Below are some of Xande Silva’s best moments with Atlanta United:
Late Match-Winning Goal vs. Inter Miami, 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round 1, Match 2
The “Spider-Man” Goal: 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Round 1, Match 2 vs. Columbus Crew
Volley Into the Bottom Right Corner vs. Nashville SC