Atlanta United, Gressel not negotiating ... right now

Contract negotiations between Atlanta United and Julian Gressel have stopped, according to a person with first-hand knowledge of the discussions but who isn’t authorized to speak.

Gressel, 25, is in the third year of his contract. The club has an option it can pick up for the 2020 season. He had a guaranteed salary of $111,250 in 2018, according to the MLS Players Association salary database.

Gressel declined to comment. Atlanta United also declined to comment.

Gressel, selected eighth in the SuperDraft after a standout career at Providence, was named the 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year after scoring five goals with nine assists.

A versatile player who has started at least six different positions, he scored four goals with 14 assists last season in helping the club win the MLS Cup.

He has been arguably its most productive player this season with two goals and two assists.

Gressel is the fourth-fastest player in league history to reach 25 assists, needing just 68 games.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the MLSPA and the league will expire following the 2019 season in Jan. 2020.

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