Atlanta United is in the South American news cycle more than, well, whatever typically dominates the South American news cycle.
Two reports on Monday have kept a weeks-long trend going, mostly fueled by the prolonged saga that is the team’s alleged pursuit of 18-year-old midfielder Ezequiel Barco.
In the first, the publication Clarin said Argentinian club Independiente has turned down yet another bid from Atlanta United for Barco, and that the player is unhappy that the offer was rejected.
This report said the bid was for as much as $20 million, which would be an MLS record, and would include a $14 million up-front buy with as much as $3 million more in performance bonuses, plus a percentage of the sale should Barco be purchased from Atlanta United.
We shall wait and see.
Second, Yamil Asad was quoted on Univision Deportes (translated by Dirty South Soccer) as saying that he hoped to stay in Atlanta United, respects that the team is pursuing Blanco (who would likely play in Asad’s position as left midfielder) and that his club Velez Sarsfield may have played as much a part as Atlanta United in him not returning.
Asad was key player for manager Gerardo Martino, but his loan from Sarsfield was just for one more year. Of course, Asad’s father was quoted by South American outlets during the summer as saying that his son was definitely returning to Atlanta United.
The team has declined to comment on all reports.
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