Union Berlin considering move for former Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath

Reports from Britain, particularly the Daily Mail, suggest that Union Berlin might be looking to bring Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to the Bundesliga. The former Middlesbrough forward is reportedly unhappy with his transfer to Atlanta United in the MLS, while Union Berlin are dissatisfied with their current attacking options.

Last season, no Union forward managed to score more than six goals in the entire Bundesliga campaign. Players like Ilyas Ansah and Oliver Burke, who were expected to contribute goals, proved to be inconsistent.

Serbian striker Andrej Ilic scored five league goals but was more effective as a playmaker, providing 11 assists in the Bundesliga and two more in cup competitions. The 26-year-old is seen more as a player for set-piece situations than an open-play forward.

Union Berlin has not had a player score in double digits since Sheraldo Becker in the 2022/23 Bundesliga season. Latte Lath appears to have the profile to address this offensive weakness.

Who is Emmanuel Latte Lath?

Latte Lath developed in Atalanta's academy and made his senior debut as a teenager. He was then loaned out to several clubs in Europe, including Pescara, Pistoiese, Carrarese, Imolese, Pianese, Pro Patria, SPAL, and St. Gallen, before permanently leaving Atalanta.

His most notable European performance came in Switzerland, where he scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances for St. Gallen during the 2022/23 season. Middlesbrough signed him for approximately €7 million in the summer of 2023.

During his time at Boro, the Ivorian scored 29 goals in 67 competitive matches, including 16 Championship goals in his first season. His goal-scoring ability and pace attracted interest from Premier League clubs before Atlanta United completed an MLS-record transfer for him in February 2025.

Atlanta reportedly paid around $22 million (close to €21 million at the time) and offered Latte Lath a contract running until 2028, with an option for an additional season.

Atlanta move failed to meet expectations

In his debut season in MLS, Latte Lath scored seven goals and provided one assist in 30 appearances. Despite this, Atlanta had a disappointing season, finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with only five league wins.

His estimated market value, which initially rose to €18 million after his record transfer, has since dropped to around €10 million. This season, Latte Lath has scored two goals and provided one assist in 14 appearances, and he has lost his regular starting position.

Atlanta has also experimented with playing him on the right wing instead of exclusively as a central forward. It is reported that the player himself suggested this positional change, with Alexey Miranchuk occupying a deeper central role.

While Union Berlin is interested, a transfer is not imminent. Atlanta invested heavily in Latte Lath and has him on a long-term contract, suggesting they will likely seek to recoup a significant portion of their initial outlay.