Swiss forward Embolo joins Atlanta United

Swiss striker Breel Embolo has signed for Atlanta United, the Major League Soccer club announced Sunday, in a deal reportedly worth $18 million.

The Switzerland international joins Atlanta from French Ligue 1 side Rennes on a deal running until 2030, in one of the most expensive transfers in MLS history.

Cameroon-born Embolo starred for Switzerland at this summer's World Cup, starting every game and scoring twice as his nation reached the quarter-finals.

Embolo was controversially sent off in Switzerland's loss to eventual finalists Argentina, receiving a second yellow card on video review for simulation.

Sporting director Chris Henderson said Atlanta was "pleased to bring a player with Breel's combination of talent and experience at the highest levels of world soccer."

The MLS has a host of international stars, but many like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min are in the latter stages of their careers.

"At age 29, he's coming off a strong performance at the World Cup with Switzerland and has a proven track record of goal contributions in multiple top European leagues," Henderson said of Embolo.

"His goal-scoring, ability to link with other players in the attack and tireless work rate are qualities that will strengthen our team from the center forward position."

Atlanta currently sit rock-bottom 15th in the MLS Eastern Conference, and have struggled badly in front of goal.

Last year the club splashed $22 million on Ivory Coast striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from English Championship side Middlesbrough.

He failed to fire, netting just twice this year, and has been loaned to German Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

Embolo -- who has also played for AS Monaco and Borussia Mönchengladbach -- was nearly deprived of the chance to participate in this summer's World Cup.

He was initially denied boarding to the co-host United States over a conviction years earlier, but received a visa days later once authorities had verified the altercation was non-violent.