Despite past reports that a deal was complete, Atlanta United Vice President Carlos Bocanegra implied Tuesday that the club hasn’t reached an agreement to purchase Thiago Almada from Velez Sarsfield.
“We’re linked with players all the time, as you guys know, and you guys have also seen in the past that we’re never going to announce anything or confirm anything unless we have everything completed and done,” he said.
A report Nov. 5 had Almada agreeing to a deal and scheduled to sign a contract Nov. 9. Almada is a 20-year-old attacking midfielder who recently was called up by Argentina’s men’s national team for the first time but has yet to play. He has 24 goals and 11 assists in 95 appearances for Velez.
The next MLS transfer window will open in January, which is when clubs can add players. Bocanegra’s answer could also be a result of the team not yet being able to add Almada to its roster.
Because Atlanta United is in the playoffs with its first game Sunday at NYCFC, Bocanegra said he didn’t want to go too much into potential offseason moves.
He did confirm that the team would like to add two veterans. Atlanta United is one of the youngest squads in MLS, with an average players’ of 25.1 years old.
Bocanegra said adding veterans isn’t a decision to pivot away from signing young players, which is something the club has done in each of its five seasons. Bocanegra said it’s about achieving balance.
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