FC Cincinnati sign defender Miles Robinson on a free transfer from Atlanta United | OneFootball

FC Cincinnati signed US men's national team defender Miles Robinson on a free transfer from Atlanta United.

Arguably the best free agent center-back on the market is linking up with Pat Noonan and 2023 Defender of the Year Matt Miazga on one-year contract through the 2024 MLS season with an option for 2025. There were rumors of Robinson signing for a European side, but he has chosen to remain in North America in MLS after his contract expired with the Five Stripes.

Prior to signing for FCC, Robinson spent his entire professional career with Atlanta after being selected second overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. Robinson went on to make his professional debut against Charleston Battery in the 2017 US Open Cup and got his first taste of MLS action April 7, 2018 in a 5-0 triumph over LAFC.

"We are thrilled that Miles chose to continue his career in Cincinnati," Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright said in a release.

"He is an elite defender with a dynamic skillset who already has an incredible amount of MLS and international experience. His personality and character are an immediate addition to our locker room and we’d like to welcome him to FC Cincinnati."

Robinson quickly became one of the best center-backs in MLS with his exceptional one-on-one defending as well as his ability on-the-ball. He suited up for the Five Stripes 150 times (third-most in club history), scoring four goals and adding five assists in all competitions.

With Atlanta, Robinson helped the team to two trophies in 2019 in the US Open as well as the Campeones Cup and was on the bench for their 2018 MLS Cup win over Portland.

"I'm very excited to be signing for FC Cincinnati," added Robinson. "This is an amazing organization from top to bottom, and I will do everything in my power to win more trophies for the passionate fans and outstanding people of this city. I'm ecstatic to play my first home game at TQL Stadium."

The 26-year-old and rose through the ranks with the USMNT, making his debut at the international level in August 2019. He's amassed 27 caps for the Stars and Stripes, scoring three goals in the process. Robinson helped the US to two Concacaf Nations League titles in 2023 and 2021 as well as the 2021 Gold Cup.

Robinson joins a Cincinnati defense that has improved tremendously in such a short time under head coach Pat Noonan. The Orange and Blue conceded just 39 goals last term (tied for fourth-least in MLS) after conceding 75 and 74 in 2019 and 2021 where they finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table in their first three seasons in the league.

As Miazga missed out on Cincinnati's postseason clashes against Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew due to suspension, FCC were left short-handed in the defensive unit. But now with the addition of Robinson, the Orange and Blue have two top-quality center-backs to make a real push for 2024 MLS Cup.