Atlanta United sign designated player Alexey Miranchuk

(Photo credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports)

Atlanta United announced the signing Tuesday of Russian midfielder Alexey Miranchuk as a designated player.

He arrives from Italian Serie A side Atalanta and is under contract through 2027 with an option for 2028.

Miranchuk, 28, can help the United replace Thiago Almada, who was recently transferred to Brazil's Botafogo.

"We're excited to sign a player of Alexey's qualit