Aberdeen FC confirms that Major League Soccer (MLS) has sanctioned a loan agreement for Ronald Hernández to join MLS side, Atlanta United, until the end of the MLS season.

The 23-year-old right back became the first ever Venezuelan international to sign for the Dons when he arrived in 2020 from Norwegian club Stabæk Fotball.

Manager Derek McInnes is keen to see Ronald get some much-needed game time, whilst also being closer to his family after a very tough 2020 for him personally.

“Sadly, the events of 2020 and the impact of the global pandemic have undoubtedly had an impact on Ronald’s time at Pittodrie. When he arrived, he had just completed pre-season in Norway, and we were mid-way through the 2019/20 season, but we worked hard with him to try to develop his fitness and adapt to the Scottish game. However, the curtailment of the season meant his ability to make any impact on the team was limited.

“From a personal point of view, Ronald has been a great player to work with, but we must acknowledge he made several personal sacrifices while in Scotland, not least having to spend lockdown in Aberdeen on his own. Because of visa restrictions due to the pandemic, he had not seen his wife or young daughter in almost a year until he was given compassionate leave in December, and the lasting impact of that should not be underestimated.”

Ronald will spend the MLS season under Atlanta United’s newly appointed head coach Gabriel Heinze, with all at AFC wishing Ronald well during his loan spell with The Five Stripes.