After either a bit of gamesmanship from Independiente and/or patience from Atlanta United, Alan Franco confirmed on Monday that he is joining the MLS club.
Franco, a 24-year-old centerback, told TyCSports (Translated): “It was a bit of a surprise, but I’m happy with the step I’m going to take. It’s been a long time coming.”
He added that he had been in contact with Ezequiel Barco — a former teammate at Independiente in Argentina — regarding joining the team.
Atlanta United was reportedly on the verge of signing Franco last week for $2.8 million, only for reports later in the week having Independiente instead selling him to Sao Paolo in Brazil for $4 million.
If it was a bluff by Independiente to raise Atlanta United’s bid, it didn’t work.
Atlanta United declined to comment.
After Franco completes the quarantine process, he is expected to compete for a starting spot in manager Gabriel Heinze’s defense. Franco is a quality player. He made 121 appearances for Independiente and has one appearance for Argentina’s national team. Right-footed, he is good in the air, a solid tackler and distributor of the ball.
Miles Robinson and Homegrown signing George Campbell were paired together during Saturday’s training exercise against Charleston at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Anton Walkes and Alex de John were the centerback pairing in the second half of the exercise.
Atlanta United will open its season on April 6 at Costa Rica’s Alajuelense in the Champions League.