Atlanta United’s Bello drawing interest from Champions League clubs

Atlanta United defender George Bello (21) drives the ball down field during the second half of a MLS game against the New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Atlanta. Branden Camp/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta United defender George Bello (21) drives the ball down field during the second half of a MLS game against the New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Atlanta. Branden Camp/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

George Bello is a wanted soccer player.

Atlanta United President Darren Eales confirmed Tuesday that Champions League and Europa League-level clubs are making inquires about Bello, a 19-year-old fullback. Eales declined to say which clubs. This summer, it was reported that Turkish giants Galatasaray, as well clubs in England and Belgium, were among those interested.

Bello, a native of Douglasville, has made 29 appearances with one goal and three assists for the club this season. Bello is a fast, versatile defender who likes to get involved in the attack, particularly on underlapping runs.

He has the technical ability to beat defenders one on one, as he showed in Sunday’s 2-1 win against Cincinnati. Bello is improving as a passer and crosser.

Bello was a member of Atlanta United’s first class of Academy players. Eales said the interest in Bello is a great sign of the progress that the club’s Academy is making in developing players. Another player, Caleb Wiley, 16, was recently called into the U.S. U-20 national team.

Bello made three appearances for Atlanta United in 2018, followed by 20 in 2020. He has three goals and four assists in 52 appearances.

Bello has five appearances for the U.S. men’s national team, including starting in its Gold Cup winning game against Mexico.

Eales said the club hasn’t receive any inquiries yet for centerback Miles Robinson, a candidate for MLS Defender of the Year, or George Campbell, a centerback and also a product of the team’s academy.